Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) has reported financial results for first-quarter 2009. Revenues were $10.9 billion, a decrease of 8% compared with the year-ago quarter. Foreign exchange unfavorably impacted revenues by approximately $640 million or 5%. For first-quarter 2009, U.S. revenues were $5.0 billion, a decrease of 10% compared with the year-ago quarter. International revenues were $5.9 billion, a decrease of 7% compared with the prior-year quarter, and reflected operational growth of 3%, which was more than offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange of 10%. U.S. revenues represented 46%, while international revenues represented 54%, of total revenues, comparable with the year-ago quarter. In addition to foreign exchange, other factors that negatively impacted first-quarter 2009 revenues in comparison with the year-ago quarter included the loss of U.S. exclusivity for Zyrtec in January 2008 and Camptosar in February 2008 as well as the revenue declines for Lipitor, as a result of continued intense competition, and for Chantix, mainly due to label changes.
Effective January 1, 2009, Pfizer expanded its new operating model within the Pharmaceutical business, which is now comprised of five customer-focused units with clear, single points of accountability to enable the Company to more effectively anticipate and respond to the diverse needs of physicians, customers and patients: Primary Care, Specialty Care, Oncology, Established Products and Emerging Markets. In addition to the pharmaceutical business, the Company has a significant Animal Health business.
Primary Care revenues for first-quarter 2009 were $5.3 billion, an 8% decline compared with $5.8 billion in the year-ago quarter. In addition to the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange, the decline in revenues compared with the same period last year was primarily driven by continued pressure on Lipitor from generic competition and by the negative impact of the Chantix label changes, as well as by the loss of U.S. exclusivity for Zyrtec in January 2008.
Specialty Care revenues for first-quarter 2009 were $1.5 billion, a 7% increase compared with $1.4 billion in the same period last year. Despite the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange, revenues increased, primarily driven by the solid operational performance in both the U.S. and international markets from certain products, including Xalatan, Zyvox, Vfend and Revatio.
Oncology revenues for first-quarter 2009 were $350 million, a 17% decrease compared with $421 million in the prior-year quarter. In addition to the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange, revenues were unfavorably impacted by the loss of U.S. exclusivity for Camptosar in February 2008, which was partially offset by strong international performance, largely driven by Sutent.
Established Products revenues for first-quarter 2009 were $1.6 billion, a 12% decline compared with $1.8 billion in the year-ago quarter. Since the products in this unit generally have lost patent protection or marketing exclusivity, revenues have declined. This unit was created in 2008 with the goal of recapturing value for these products in developed market geographies by progressively slowing the erosion of, and ultimately stabilizing, revenue and profit from established products. Supporting initiatives within the unit include programs designed to expand patient and payor access to this portfolio, to develop product enhancements, to expand the portfolio and to increase promotional efforts for targeted products.
Emerging Markets revenues for first-quarter 2009 were $1.4 billion, a 9% decrease compared with $1.5 billion in first-quarter 2008. Revenues in Emerging Markets, which also includes revenues from established products sold in these geographies, were unfavorably impacted by foreign exchange, which was partially offset by solid operational growth, led by expansion efforts in China.
"During the quarter, we continued our ongoing efforts to reshape our operating model, made substantial progress in planning for the Wyeth integration, and faced a challenging and dynamic economic and competitive environment. Yet, we remained focused on meeting our commitments - generating revenues consistent with our expectations and continuing to streamline our cost structure. We remain on-track to deliver on our full-year 2009 guidance for revenues and adjusted results(1)," stated Jeff Kindler, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Kindler continued, "Even as we achieve our short-term objectives, we continue to lay the groundwork to increase long-term shareholder value through the pending combination with Wyeth. Our recent announcement on the planned leadership and organizational structure for the company's combined research and commercial operations demonstrates our intention to advance strong scientific capabilities and to retain top scientific and commercial talent from both organizations as we build the world's premier biopharmaceutical company."
Frank D'Amelio, Chief Financial Officer, stated, "We achieved several significant milestones in this quarter in planning for the Wyeth acquisition, making substantial progress in a short period of time. We remain committed to a rapid and successful integration, while at the same time delivering on our 2009 financial goals, which remains a top priority. Today, we're reaffirming our full-year 2009 financial guidance for revenues and adjusted results(1), and updating our reported diluted EPS(2) guidance to include certain costs associated with the pending acquisition of Wyeth."
Pfizer Inc: Working together for a healthier world™
Founded in 1849, Pfizer is the world's premier biopharmaceutical company taking new approaches to better health. We discover, develop, manufacture and deliver quality, safe and effective prescription medicines to treat and help prevent disease for both people and animals. We also partner with healthcare providers, governments and local communities around the world to expand access to our medicines and to provide better quality health care and health system support. At Pfizer, more than 80,000 colleagues in more than 90 countries work every day to help people stay happier and healthier longer and to reduce the human and economic burden of disease worldwide.