10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2001

PFIZER INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jul 1, 2001

Filed August 14, 2001For Securities:PFE

Summary

Pfizer Inc. reported robust financial results for the second quarter and first six months of 2001, demonstrating significant year-over-year growth. Total revenues increased by 10% in the quarter and 8% year-to-date, driven primarily by strong performance in the Pharmaceuticals segment, particularly from key products like Lipitor and Norvasc. Net income saw substantial gains, with a 59% increase in the quarter and a 298% increase for the first six months, largely due to the absence of significant merger-related costs that impacted the prior year's results. The company also reported strong operating cash flow and continued to return capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Management highlighted the positive impact of volume growth in existing products and contributions from product alliances. Despite a negative currency impact due to a strengthening U.S. dollar, Pfizer reaffirmed its commitment to significant research and development investment, forecasting full-year R&D spending between $4.8 - $4.9 billion. The company also provided positive forward-looking guidance, expecting continued operational revenue growth and diluted earnings per share growth in the range of 25% to 27% for the full year 2001.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenues increased by 10% to $7.7 billion for the second quarter and 8% to $15.3 billion for the first six months of 2001 compared to the prior year.
  • 2Net income surged by 59% to $1.8 billion for the quarter and 298% to $3.8 billion for the six months, driven by strong operational performance and reduced merger-related costs.
  • 3Pharmaceuticals segment revenue grew by 13% to $6.3 billion in the quarter and 11% to $12.7 billion year-to-date, with Lipitor and Norvasc showing significant sales increases.
  • 4Research and Development (R&D) expenses were maintained at a high level, increasing 3% in the quarter to $1.1 billion, with full-year 2001 R&D projected at $4.8 - $4.9 billion.
  • 5Merger-related costs decreased significantly by 52% in the quarter and 79% year-to-date, contributing to improved profitability.
  • 6The company returned capital to shareholders through cash dividends of $0.11 per share in the quarter and initiated a new $5 billion share repurchase program.
  • 7Pfizer provided positive outlook, expecting full-year 2001 diluted EPS growth of 25%-27% (excluding certain items) and projecting $1.56 or better for 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pfizer's revenue growth was primarily driven by strong sales volume from its in-line products, particularly within the Pharmaceuticals segment. Key contributors included Lipitor, Norvasc, Zithromax, and Viagra. Revenue growth from product alliances also played a significant role.

Merger-related costs, primarily from the integration of Warner-Lambert, were significantly lower in the second quarter and first six months of 2001 compared to the same periods in 2000. This reduction in merger-related expenses, from $431 million to $206 million in the quarter and $2.3 billion to $476 million year-to-date, directly contributed to the substantial increase in net income and improved profit margins.

Pfizer projected strong future growth, with diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (excluding certain items and merger-related costs) expected to grow 25% to 27% for the full year 2001, translating to $1.27 to $1.30 per share. The company further anticipates diluted EPS of $1.56 or better for 2002, excluding similar items. This growth is expected to be fueled by continued operational performance, merger-related cost savings, and a reduction in the effective tax rate.

Pfizer adopted new accounting standards for sales incentives and derivative instruments effective January 1, 2001, with no material impact on financial position or results. The company also discussed upcoming adoption of SFAS No. 141 (Business Combinations) and SFAS No. 142 (Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets) effective January 1, 2002, noting that non-amortization provisions would not have a material effect, but the impact of impairment provisions was yet to be determined. They also planned to adopt EITF No. 00-25 for vendor consideration in 2002.