10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2021

PFIZER INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Oct 3, 2021

Filed November 12, 2021For Securities:PFE

Summary

Pfizer Inc. reported strong financial results for the nine months ended October 3, 2021, driven by significant revenue growth, primarily from its COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty. Total revenues surged by 91% to $57.7 billion compared to the same period in 2020. Excluding Comirnaty, operational revenue growth was still robust at 8%, indicating the strength of its broader product portfolio. The company also demonstrated healthy profitability, with net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders increasing substantially to $18.6 billion for the nine-month period. This performance reflects effective cost management alongside increased sales, with R&D expenses growing to support pipeline advancement, including significant investments in COVID-19 related programs and collaborations. Pfizer's financial position remains strong, with substantial cash and investments, and the company continues to return value to shareholders through dividends.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 91% to $57.7 billion for the nine months ended October 3, 2021, compared to $30.2 billion in the prior year period.
  • 2Comirnaty (COVID-19 vaccine) contributed significantly to revenue, with $24.3 billion in direct sales and alliance revenues for the nine-month period.
  • 3Excluding Comirnaty, operational revenue growth was 8%, driven by key products like Eliquis, Vyndaqel/Vyndamax, Inlyta, and Xtandi.
  • 4Net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders rose to $18.6 billion for the nine months ended October 3, 2021, from $8.3 billion in the comparable period of 2020.
  • 5Research and development expenses increased by $1.9 billion to $7.9 billion for the nine months ended October 3, 2021, reflecting continued investment in pipeline development and COVID-19 programs.
  • 6The company's liquidity remains strong, with cash and cash equivalents of $2.0 billion and short-term investments of $27.7 billion as of October 3, 2021.
  • 7Pfizer declared a dividend of $0.39 per share, payable on December 6, 2021, underscoring its commitment to shareholder returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of Pfizer's substantial revenue increase was the strong performance of its COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty. The vaccine generated $24.3 billion in direct sales and alliance revenues for the first nine months of 2021, significantly boosting overall company revenue.

Pfizer's profitability saw a significant improvement. Net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders increased to $18.6 billion for the first nine months of 2021, up from $8.3 billion in the same period of 2020. This increase was driven by higher revenues and effective management of costs.

Pfizer continues to invest heavily in its R&D pipeline, with expenses increasing by $1.9 billion to $7.9 billion for the first nine months of 2021. This investment supports the development of new medicines and vaccines, including significant spending on COVID-19 related programs and strategic collaborations, such as the one with Arvinas for ARV-471.

Pfizer maintained a strong financial position with $2.0 billion in cash and cash equivalents and $27.7 billion in short-term investments as of October 3, 2021. The company also demonstrated its commitment to shareholder returns by declaring a quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share, reflecting confidence in its ongoing business performance and future prospects.