Pfizer’s 11% Rally Backed by Oncology Growth and M&A, Guidance Miss
Pfizer’s stock has climbed 11% in 2026, trading above its 50- and 200-day SMAs, supported by oncology revenue growth and successful M&A deals. However, 2026 guidance of $59.5–$62.5 billion in revenue and $2.80–$3.00 EPS falls short, with COVID sales declining and multiple patent expirations looming.
1. Recent Stock Rally and Technical Momentum
Pfizer shares have advanced 11% year to date and have held above both their 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages since January, signaling sustained investor confidence. The rebound follows three years of underperformance driven by COVID sales declines.
2. Strengths, M&A and Guidance Shortfall
Oncology now contributes 27% of revenue after Seagen’s 2023 acquisition, and oncology biosimilars generated $1.3 billion in 2025, up 26%. Non-COVID products, including newly acquired assets from Metsera and 3SBio, delivered $10.2 billion last year. Despite these gains, full-year 2026 guidance of $59.5–$62.5 billion in revenue and $2.80–$3.00 EPS disappointed, pressured by falling COVID sales and looming patent expirations on key drugs.
3. CEO Raises FDA Vaccine Leadership Concerns
CEO Albert Bourla publicly criticized the U.S. FDA’s vaccine leadership, citing internal organizational challenges. He warned that these issues could affect the pace of vaccine reviews and future product approvals.