You know those tiny spoons that they give you at the ice cream shop to try a flavor before you buy it? That's pretty much what Pfizer's
Revenue increased 39%, but that's because the year-ago quarter didn't include Wyeth, which was added after the third quarter ended. Unlike Merck
The math we can do doesn't look pretty. Like many drugmakers -- Bristol-Myers Squibb
That fall is going to look like nothing when the triple-scoop sundae hits this time next year. U.S. Lipitor sales still make up 8% of total worldwide revenue. You can expect most, though not all, of those sales to disappear after generic competition enters the market in November 2011.
That said, Pfizer has been going on a diet in anticipation of the oversized dessert. The company expects adjusted earnings in 2012 of $2.25 to $2.35 per share, which is slightly higher than the $2.17 to $2.22 per share that it's guiding for this year.
If Pfizer can hit that target and be set to grow post-Lipitor, shares could be a good deal at this level, especially considering the fat dividend. But that counts on the P/E expanding, which won't happen until investors are convinced the company can actually grow.
Get the main course in order, Pfizer, and investors will come in for a bite.
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