Topic: How To Invest

Pat: What is your opinion on owning Pfizer? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Pfizer Inc., $14.72, symbol PFE on New York, (Shares outstanding: 6.8 billion; Market cap: $100.1 billion) is one of the world’s largest drug companies. It’s a major maker of pharmaceuticals, hospital and consumer products, and animal-health lines. Pfizer’s products are sold in more than 150 countries; international business accounts for about 58% of Pfizer’s sales. Pfizer’s major brands include Lipitor (cholesterol), Lyrica (back pain), Viagra (impotence), Zyvox (anti-infection), Aricept (Alzheimer’s), Sutent (cancer), Geodon (schizophrenia), Chantix (nicotine addiction), and Celebrex (arthritic pain and inflammation). Pfizer drugs on which U.S. patents have recently expired include Norvasc (high blood pressure), Camptosar (colon cancer) and Zyrtec (allergies). Last January, the company agreed to buy rival drug maker Wyeth (New York symbol WYE) for cash and shares. Based on current prices, the deal will cost Pfizer $63.3 billion. (Pfizer will pay about 70% of the purchase price in cash, and the remaining 30% in stock). Wyeth shareholders will own 16% of the combined company, which will probably…