Wolfe Research reiterates Pfizer stock rating at Underperform with $25 target

Investing.com - Wolfe Research has reiterated an Underperform rating and $25.00 price target on Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), maintaining its bearish outlook on the pharmaceutical giant. According to InvestingPro data, analyst targets for Pfizer range from $50 to $77, with a consensus recommendation of Buy, suggesting varied opinions among Wall Street analysts.

The research firm highlighted Pfizer’s expected topline data from VESPER-1 and interim data from VESPER-3 for MET-097i by the end of September 2025, noting that Pfizer has likely already reviewed some trial data during its due diligence process.

Wolfe Research indicated that Pfizer’s interest in Metsera appears largely driven by the drug candidate’s safety profile and half-life, potentially allowing for monthly dosing without tolerability issues that would require re-initiation protocols.

The pharmaceutical company plans to launch Phase 3 trials for MET-097i by the first half of 2026 for weekly dosing and second half of 2026 for monthly dosing, with potential for both placebo-controlled and head-to-head trials.

Wolfe Research views the Metsera deal as "a step in the right direction" for rebuilding Pfizer’s revenue growth, particularly following the discontinuation of the danuglipron program in April and considering patent expirations expected in the latter half of this decade. With an overall Financial Health score of GOOD from InvestingPro, Pfizer appears well-positioned to navigate these strategic transitions.

In other recent news, Metsera Inc reported a second quarter loss of $0.66 per share, which was worse than the analyst estimates of a $0.63 loss. This earnings miss has drawn attention away from the company’s ongoing advancements in its pipeline of obesity treatments. On the analyst front, Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated its Overweight rating on Metsera, emphasizing that the next six months will be significant for the company due to expected updates in its obesity treatment pipeline. Similarly, Leerink Partners initiated coverage with an Outperform rating, citing Metsera’s innovative platform and obesity peptide-based therapeutics as key differentiators in the market. Cantor Fitzgerald also noted that investors can anticipate initial proof-of-concept data for Metsera’s oral peptides, MET-097o and MET-224o, by late 2025. These recent developments reflect a mixed sentiment among analysts and investors as the company continues to navigate its financial challenges and pipeline advancements.

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