NEW YORK -- The world's biggest pharmaceutical company, Pfizer (IW 1000/55), reported Tuesday a big jump in fourth-quarter earnings as cost-cutting efforts plus a gain from an asset sale helped offset the loss of exclusivity of a blockbuster cholesterol drug.
Pfizer reported fourth-quarter net income of $6.3 billion, up from $1.4 billion in the year-earlier period. The results included a $4.8 billion gain from the sale of the Nutrition business to Nestle.
However, Pfizer continued to feel the effects of the loss of exclusivity of its popular Lipitor anti-cholesterol drug. Fourth-quarter revenue fell seven percent compared with last year's level to $15.1 billion.
Pfizer's adjusted net income, which excludes one-time items such as the Nestle deal, fell seven percent from the year-earlier period to $3.5 billion.
The pharma giant pointed to a number of promising new drugs that are at various stages of the developmental pipeline. These include the 2013 launches of Xiljanz, which treats rheumatoid arthritis, and Eliquis for the prevention of strokes.
"Overall, I am pleased with our 2012 financial performance, our recent product approvals and our expense reductions," said chief financial officer Frank D'Amelio.
In early 2011, Pfizer undertook a reorganization of its research activities and eliminated some activities that were seen as ancillary. The company spent less than a year earlier on promotional programs and some corporate functions.
Pfizer also is studying a potential public offering of up to a 19.8% stake in its Zoetis unit, an animal health division.
Pfizer offered 2013 guidance of $56-$58.2 billion in revenue, compared with the 2012 level of $59 billion, and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.20-$2.30, compared with $1.94 in 2012.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2013
