Goldman Sachs Comments on Pfizer's 3Q Earnings Release Tomorrow

Goldman Sachs has published a research report on Pfizer

in anticipation of the company's earnings report which is tomorrow, Tuesday November 2, 2011. In the report, Goldman Sachs writes, "We estimate 3Q2011 EPS of $0.55 (vs. consensus of $0.56) and full year EPS of $2.24 (vs. guidance of $2.16-$2.26). In light of ABT's move to separate into two companies, we expect management to address the timing of its plan to spin off its Animal Health and Nutritionals business and discuss other capital allocation strategies. PFE aims for a dividend payout ratio of approximately 40%, in line with the industry avg. We expect management to field questions on the potential for a dividend increase at the Dec. board meeting." Goldman Sachs maintains its CL-Buy rating on Pfizer, which is currently trading down $0.27 from Friday's $19.82 closing price.