Pfizer’s bold shift beyond COVID-19 fuels growth in cancer and obesity treatments
Pfizer’s rapid expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped its financial future. The company now faces a shifting news landscape as demand for its vaccine declines. To adapt, it has turned to major acquisitions and new drug developments in areas like obesity and cancer.
Before the pandemic, Pfizer’s revenue grew slowly, with only low single-digit increases. The COVID-19 vaccine then drove unprecedented profits, pushing total revenue to around $45 billion in the first nine months of 2025. GAAP net income also rose sharply by 24% year over year, reaching $9.4 billion in the same period.
The company has returned significant value to shareholders, paying over $7 billion in cash dividends so far in 2025. With a dividend yield nearing 7%, Pfizer remains a strong choice for income-focused investors.
To offset declining COVID-19 sales and upcoming patent expirations, Pfizer made two key acquisitions. In 2023, it bought Seagen for $43 billion, boosting its cancer treatment news. That same year, it acquired Metsera in a deal worth up to $10 billion, gaining access to obesity therapies, including a promising monthly GLP-1 injection.
Recent product launches have further strengthened Pfizer’s position. New treatments like the RSV vaccine Abrysvo, cancer drug Elrexfio, and alopecia medication Litfulo have expanded its commercial offerings. The company is also cutting costs aggressively, aiming for $7.2 billion in net savings by the end of 2027.
Pfizer’s strategy now centres on areas beyond COVID-19, with a focus on oncology, vaccines, and cardiometabolic treatments. The acquisitions of Seagen and Metsera, along with new drug approvals, position the company for long-term growth. Cost reductions and strong dividend payouts further reinforce its financial stability.
