Pfizer has slightly raised its profit forecast for the current fiscal year, signaling that the multi-billion dollar savings program running since 2023 is taking effect. The US pharmaceutical company now expects an adjusted earnings per share between $2.90 and $3.10 - ten cents more than previously announced. This also includes a one-time effect from a license agreement with the Chinese biotech company 3SBio.

The restructuring is part of a comprehensive cost-cutting plan with which Pfizer aims to save around $7.2 billion by the end of 2027. Especially after last year's $43 billion acquisition of Seagen, the company is relying on synergies and a tighter cost structure. The stock reacted on Tuesday with a 5.2 percent increase in New York.

Despite these operational advances, revenue growth remains subdued. "Pfizer will remain more of a margin story than a growth story for the foreseeable future," said Daniel Barasa, portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds. The fund manager pointed to the drug pipeline, which promises potential new blockbusters – especially from the Seagen portfolio.

At the same time, Pfizer is facing increasing political pressure.

A first step came in July: Together with Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer announced that starting in September, they would sell the popular blood thinner Eliquis directly to US consumers at a 40 percent discount. Whether this model will be adopted more widely or is meant as a political signal remains open. TD Cowen commented in an analysis that it was "unclear whether direct sales to consumers will become a trend or remain just a symbolic gesture.

Investors remain skeptical despite recent progress. Since the beginning of the year, Pfizer shares have lost around eight percent, with a decrease of about 20 percent compared to October 2023. At that time, the activist investor Starboard Value had entered with a billion-dollar stake – meanwhile, according to regulatory filings, it has significantly reduced its position.