UPDATE: Pfizer Posts Downbeat Q1 Revenue

Pfizer

reported weaker-than-expected first-quarter revenue. Pfizer's quarterly profit slipped to $2.33 billion, or $0.36 per share, versus a year-ago profit of $2.75 billion, or $0.38 per share. Its adjusted earnings climbed 12% to $0.57 per share from $0.51 per share. Its revenue declined 9% to $11.35 billion versus $12.41 billion. However, analysts were estimating earnings of $0.55 per share on revenue of $12.04 billion. Pfizer affirmed its forecast for the full year. The company's press release offered the following comment from Frank D'Amelio, Chief Financial Officer: “Our financial performance in first-quarter 2014 was in line with our expectations and reflected the continuing impact of product losses of exclusivity, the expiration and near-term termination of certain collaborations and an operating environment that remains challenging. The presentation of financial results for our new commercial structure marks an important step in providing transparency for each of these global segments. We are confirming all components of our 2014 adjusted financial guidance, which reflects our performance to date as well as our confidence in the business going forward. Our 2014 adjusted financial guidance continues to reflect a full-year contribution from Celebrex in the U.S.; if necessary, we will update our financial guidance when we are in a better position to make an informed judgment about the market exclusivity of Celebrex in the U.S. from May 30 through the end of this year. Given our strong operating cash flow, we continue to expect to repurchase approximately $5 billion of our shares this year, with $1.7 billion repurchased through May 2. These repurchases and planned repurchases will more than offset the potential dilution related to employee compensation programs.” Pfizer shares dropped 1.28% to close at $30.75 on Friday.