10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2001

PFIZER INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Apr 1, 2001

Filed May 15, 2001For Securities:PFE

Summary

Pfizer Inc. reported strong first-quarter 2001 financial results, a significant improvement from the prior year's loss. Net income surged to $1.93 billion, or $0.30 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $204 million in the first quarter of 2000. This turnaround was largely driven by substantial revenue growth, up 7% to $7.65 billion, and a significant reduction in merger-related costs, which fell dramatically from $1.84 billion to $270 million. Key drivers for the revenue increase included strong volume growth in pharmaceutical products, particularly from major drugs like Lipitor and Norvasc, alongside contributions from product alliances. While consumer product sales saw a slight decline, the company is implementing measures to improve performance. Pfizer also demonstrated effective cost management, with decreases in cost of sales, selling, informational, and administrative expenses, and research and development expenses, despite continued investment in its product pipeline. The company also provided an optimistic outlook for the full year 2001, projecting double-digit reported revenue growth and diluted earnings per share between $1.27 and $1.30.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income dramatically improved to $1.93 billion in Q1 2001 from a net loss of $204 million in Q1 2000.
  • 2Revenues increased by 7% year-over-year to $7.65 billion, driven by strong pharmaceutical sales volume.
  • 3Merger-related costs decreased by 85% to $270 million, a significant factor in the profit turnaround.
  • 4Key pharmaceutical products like Lipitor and Norvasc showed robust sales growth.
  • 5Selling, informational, and administrative expenses decreased by 6%, reflecting cost management and merger synergies.
  • 6The company forecasts double-digit revenue growth and diluted EPS between $1.27-$1.30 for the full year 2001.
  • 7Cash dividends paid per common share increased to $0.11 from $0.09 in the prior year period.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the substantial profit improvement was a combination of significantly increased revenues, up 7% to $7.65 billion, and a dramatic reduction in merger-related costs, which decreased by 85% from $1.84 billion in Q1 2000 to $270 million in Q1 2001. The strong performance of key pharmaceutical products also contributed significantly.

Major pharmaceutical products showed strong performance. Lipitor sales increased by 31% and Norvasc sales increased by 10%. Zoloft sales grew by 18%, and Neurontin sales were up 26%. Geodon, a new product launched in February 2001 for schizophrenia, had initial stocking sales.

Pfizer anticipates double-digit reported revenue growth for the full year 2001, despite a negative foreign exchange impact expected to reduce revenue growth by over $700 million. Diluted earnings per share, excluding certain significant items and merger-related costs, are projected to be between $1.27 and $1.30, representing 25% to 27% growth.

Pfizer is involved in various legal proceedings, including patent litigation concerning key drugs like Procardia XL, Zoloft, Diflucan, and Neurontin, as well as product liability claims related to Rezulin and Trovan, and asbestos matters. The company believes, based on current information, insurance, and reserves, that these matters, individually or in aggregate, should not have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results.