Stock Analysis on Net

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)

$24.99

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Microsoft Excel

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Economic Profit

Pfizer Inc., economic profit calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1
Cost of capital2
Invested capital3
 
Economic profit4

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 NOPAT. See details »

2 Cost of capital. See details »

3 Invested capital. See details »

4 2025 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= × =


The financial trajectory between 2021 and 2025 is characterized by a transition from substantial value creation to a period of sustained economic loss. After a peak in profitability in 2022, a sharp decline in operating performance combined with an expanded capital base led to negative economic profit starting in 2023.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
A period of extreme volatility is observed in NOPAT, which rose from 18,394 million in 2021 to a peak of 31,018 million in 2022. This was followed by a severe contraction in 2023, where NOPAT fell to a deficit of 1,277 million. Although NOPAT returned to positive territory in 2024 and 2025, the recovery remained muted, stabilizing around 7,200 million, which is significantly lower than the levels recorded in the 2021-2022 biennium.
Invested Capital and Capital Charges
Invested capital followed a consistent upward trend for the first three years, increasing from 87,670 million in 2021 to a peak of 154,882 million in 2023. While there was a reduction in invested capital to 135,342 million in 2024, the base remained substantially higher than in 2021. The cost of capital remained relatively stable, fluctuating within a narrow range between 8.53% and 9.87%, meaning the primary driver of increased capital charges was the growth in the invested capital base rather than changes in the cost of funding.
Economic Profit and Value Creation
Economic profit exhibited a dramatic reversal, shifting from a high of 20,083 million in 2022 to a loss of 14,488 million in 2023. This represents a total swing of 34,571 million in value terms. Despite the return to positive NOPAT in the final two years, the economic profit remained negative, recording losses of 4,384 million in 2024 and 4,969 million in 2025. This indicates that the operating returns were insufficient to cover the cost of the capital employed, resulting in sustained value destruction for the latter half of the period.


Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Pfizer Inc., NOPAT calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1
Increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts2
Increase (decrease) in restructuring accruals3
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents4
Interest expense
Interest expense, operating lease liability5
Adjusted interest expense
Tax benefit of interest expense6
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes7
(Gain) loss on marketable securities
Interest income
Investment income, before taxes
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income8
Investment income, after taxes9
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax10
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »

2 Addition of increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts.

3 Addition of increase (decrease) in restructuring accruals.

4 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders.

5 2025 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =

6 2025 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

7 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders.

8 2025 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

9 Elimination of after taxes investment income.

10 Elimination of discontinued operations.


Net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders and Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT) exhibited significant fluctuations between 2021 and 2025. While net income demonstrated an initial increase followed by a substantial decline, NOPAT mirrored this pattern with even more pronounced volatility, including a negative value in 2023.

Net Income Trend
Net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders increased from US$21,979 million in 2021 to US$31,372 million in 2022, representing a substantial year-over-year growth. However, a dramatic decrease was observed in 2023, falling to US$2,119 million. A partial recovery occurred in 2024, with net income reaching US$8,031 million, followed by a slight decrease to US$7,771 million in 2025.
NOPAT Trend
NOPAT followed a similar trajectory to net income, increasing from US$18,394 million in 2021 to US$31,018 million in 2022. A significant shift occurred in 2023, with NOPAT becoming negative at US$-1,277 million. A recovery was then seen in 2024, rising to US$7,374 million, and continuing to US$7,193 million in 2025. The magnitude of the decline and subsequent recovery in NOPAT was greater than that observed in net income.
Relationship between Net Income and NOPAT
While both metrics generally moved in the same direction, the divergence in 2023 is noteworthy. The substantial negative NOPAT value suggests that operating profits, after accounting for taxes, were insufficient to cover the cost of capital employed during that year, despite a positive, albeit significantly reduced, net income. This indicates that factors beyond core operational profitability, such as financing or non-operating items, played a larger role in determining net income in 2023.

The period between 2024 and 2025 shows relative stabilization in both metrics, although NOPAT remains considerably lower than its peak in 2022. Further investigation would be required to understand the underlying drivers of these fluctuations and their implications for the company’s long-term financial performance.



Cash Operating Taxes

Pfizer Inc., cash operating taxes calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Provision (benefit) for taxes on income
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Add: Tax savings from interest expense
Less: Tax imposed on investment income
Cash operating taxes

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).


The provision for taxes on income exhibits significant volatility over the observed period. Beginning at US$1,852 million in 2021, it increased substantially to US$3,328 million in 2022 before experiencing a dramatic shift to a benefit of negative US$1,115 million in 2023. This benefit continued, albeit at a smaller magnitude, in 2024 (-US$28 million) and 2025 (-US$267 million). In contrast, cash operating taxes demonstrate a more stable, though fluctuating, pattern.

Cash Operating Taxes Trend
Cash operating taxes increased from US$6,137 million in 2021 to US$7,967 million in 2022, representing a substantial rise. A subsequent decrease was noted in 2023, falling to US$2,113 million. Values then recovered somewhat in 2024 and 2025, reaching US$2,426 million and US$2,334 million respectively. While fluctuating, the values in 2024 and 2025 remain considerably below the 2021 and 2022 levels.

The divergence between the provision for taxes on income and cash operating taxes is noteworthy. The large benefit recorded in the provision for taxes in 2023, 2024, and 2025 suggests the utilization of tax loss carryforwards or other tax planning strategies, resulting in a reduced accounting expense despite continued cash outflows for taxes. The cash operating taxes, while decreasing from 2022 to 2023, remained positive throughout the period, indicating actual cash payments were made to tax authorities even when the accounting provision reflected a benefit.

Relationship between Provision and Cash Taxes
The difference between the provision for taxes on income and cash operating taxes widened considerably in 2023, 2024, and 2025. This indicates a growing deferral of taxable income or an increasing benefit from tax credits or loss carryforwards. The substantial difference highlights the impact of non-cash tax items on the reported income tax expense.

The observed trends suggest a complex tax position, potentially involving significant tax planning and the utilization of deferred tax assets. Further investigation into the specific drivers of the tax benefit and the nature of the deferred tax items would be beneficial for a complete understanding of the company’s tax strategy and its impact on financial performance.



Invested Capital

Pfizer Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Short-term borrowings, including current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt, excluding current portion
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Total Pfizer Inc. shareholders’ equity
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Allowance for doubtful accounts3
Restructuring accruals4
Equity equivalents5
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax6
Equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
Adjusted total Pfizer Inc. shareholders’ equity
Construction in progress7
Marketable securities8
Invested capital

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 Addition of capitalized operating leases.

2 Elimination of deferred taxes from assets and liabilities. See details »

3 Addition of allowance for doubtful accounts receivable.

4 Addition of restructuring accruals.

5 Addition of equity equivalents to total Pfizer Inc. shareholders’ equity.

6 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

7 Subtraction of construction in progress.

8 Subtraction of marketable securities.


The reported invested capital demonstrates a clear increasing trend over the observed period, followed by a stabilization and slight increase. A significant rise is noted between 2021 and 2023, while subsequent years show a more moderate pattern. This analysis details the observed movements in invested capital alongside its constituent components: total reported debt & leases and total shareholders’ equity.

Invested Capital Trend
Invested capital increased substantially from US$87,670 million in 2021 to US$154,882 million in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 76.8%. This growth slowed considerably in 2024, with invested capital decreasing to US$135,342 million. A modest increase to US$139,753 million was observed in 2025. The 2024 decrease suggests a potential shift in capital allocation strategy or a reduction in capital-intensive projects.
Debt & Leases
Total reported debt & leases decreased from US$41,395 million in 2021 to US$39,046 million in 2022. However, a substantial increase occurred in 2023, reaching US$75,041 million. This was followed by a decrease to US$66,993 million in 2024 and a slight increase to US$67,416 million in 2025. The 2023 surge in debt likely contributed significantly to the overall increase in invested capital during that year.
Shareholders’ Equity
Total shareholders’ equity increased from US$77,201 million in 2021 to US$95,661 million in 2022, indicating strong equity growth. A decrease was then observed in 2023, falling to US$89,014 million, and continued to decline in 2024 and 2025, reaching US$88,203 million and US$86,476 million respectively. This consistent decline in shareholders’ equity over the latter part of the period partially offset the impact of increased debt on invested capital.

The interplay between debt and equity significantly influences the overall invested capital. While debt increased substantially in 2023, the subsequent decrease in shareholders’ equity moderated the growth in invested capital in 2024 and 2025. The stabilization of invested capital in the later years suggests a balancing act between debt financing and equity returns.



Cost of Capital

Pfizer Inc., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »



Economic Spread Ratio

Pfizer Inc., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1
Invested capital2
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio3
Benchmarks
Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4
AbbVie Inc.
Amgen Inc.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
Danaher Corp.
Eli Lilly & Co.
Gilead Sciences Inc.
Johnson & Johnson
Merck & Co. Inc.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 Invested capital. See details »

3 2025 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × ÷ =

4 Click competitor name to see calculations.


An analysis of the economic value added metrics reveals a significant transition from positive value creation to sustained value destruction over the observed period.

Economic Profit Trends
A peak in economic profit was observed in 2022, reaching 20,083 million USD, which was a substantial increase from the 9,909 million USD recorded in 2021. This positive trajectory reversed sharply in 2023, as economic profit fell to negative 14,488 million USD. While the deficit narrowed to negative 4,384 million USD in 2024, it remained in negative territory through 2025, concluding at negative 4,969 million USD.
Invested Capital Dynamics
Invested capital exhibited a consistent upward trajectory from 2021 to 2023, growing from 87,670 million USD to a peak of 154,882 million USD. This indicates a period of significant capital expansion. A contraction occurred in 2024, bringing the figure down to 135,342 million USD, followed by a slight increase to 139,753 million USD by the end of 2025.
Economic Spread Ratio Performance
The economic spread ratio experienced high volatility, mirroring the shifts in economic profit. The ratio improved from 11.30% in 2021 to a peak of 18.13% in 2022, signaling efficient capital utilization above the cost of capital. A severe decline followed in 2023, with the ratio dropping to negative 9.35%. Although the ratio partially recovered to negative 3.24% in 2024 and remained relatively stable at negative 3.56% in 2025, the persistence of negative values indicates that the return on invested capital remained below the required cost of capital for three consecutive years.

The correlation between the expansion of invested capital and the subsequent decline in the economic spread ratio suggests a period of diminished capital efficiency. The transition from a high positive spread in 2022 to a sustained negative spread starting in 2023 highlights a shift toward value erosion.



Economic Profit Margin

Pfizer Inc., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1
Revenues
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
AbbVie Inc.
Amgen Inc.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
Danaher Corp.
Eli Lilly & Co.
Gilead Sciences Inc.
Johnson & Johnson
Merck & Co. Inc.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 2025 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Revenues
= 100 × ÷ =

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The financial performance from 2021 to 2025 is characterized by a period of substantial value creation followed by a sharp transition into a period of value destruction. The transition is most evident in the movement from positive economic profit to sustained negative figures starting in 2023.

Revenue Trajectory
Revenues exhibited a peak in 2022, reaching 101,175 million USD, before experiencing a significant contraction in 2023 to 59,553 million USD. Following this decline, revenues showed relative stability, with a slight increase to 63,627 million USD in 2024 and a marginal decrease to 62,579 million USD by 2025.
Economic Profit Trends
Economic profit saw a rapid increase between 2021 and 2022, rising from 9,909 million USD to 20,083 million USD. However, a severe reversal occurred in 2023, where economic profit dropped to -14,488 million USD. While the magnitude of the loss diminished in 2024 to -4,384 million USD, the figure remained negative through 2025, ending at -4,969 million USD.
Economic Profit Margin Analysis
The economic profit margin reflects extreme volatility, peaking at 19.85% in 2022. The subsequent collapse to -24.33% in 2023 indicates that the return on invested capital fell significantly below the cost of capital. Although the margin improved to -6.89% in 2024, a slight deterioration to -7.94% in 2025 suggests a continuing inability to generate a positive economic return relative to revenue.

Overall, the data indicates a shift from a high-growth, value-generating phase to a period of contraction and negative economic value added. The stabilization of revenues since 2023 has not yet been sufficient to return the economic profit margin to positive territory.