Pfizer and UnitedHealth's Path to Recovery
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 23 2026
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Pfizer's Growth Potential: Pfizer's revenue soared to an astonishing $100 billion a few years ago, but has significantly dropped due to declining demand for COVID products and patent expirations; however, through acquisitions of Seagen and Metsera, Pfizer is paving the way for growth in oncology and obesity drug markets.
- UnitedHealth's Transformation Measures: As the largest health insurer in the U.S., UnitedHealth has faced challenges from rising healthcare costs and increased service usage, but has implemented measures such as cutting certain plans and using AI to streamline processes, which are expected to aid recovery in the coming quarters.
- Investment Value Analysis: Pfizer is currently trading at only 9 times forward earnings estimates, indicating strong appeal for long-term investors, while UnitedHealth's trading at 15 times forward earnings presents an excellent buying opportunity, especially as the company takes proactive steps to improve performance.
- Long-Term Investment Strategy: For long-term investors, selecting companies like Pfizer and UnitedHealth that are currently facing challenges but have recovery potential allows for entry at reasonable prices and the opportunity to reap substantial returns as these companies regain growth, highlighting the strategic value of holding investments over the long term.
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Analyst Views on PFE
Wall Street analysts forecast PFE stock price to rise
16 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
11 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 27.040
Low
24.00
Averages
28.56
High
35.00
Current: 27.040
Low
24.00
Averages
28.56
High
35.00
About PFE
Pfizer Inc. is a research-based, global biopharmaceutical company. The Company is engaged in the discovery, development, manufacture, marketing, sale and distribution of biopharmaceutical products worldwide. Its Biopharma segment includes the Pfizer U.S. Commercial Division, and the Pfizer International Commercial Division. Its product categories include oncology, primary care and specialty care. Its oncology products include Ibrance, Xtandi, Padcev, Adcetris, Inlyta, Lorbrena, Bosulif, Tukysa, Braftovi, Mektovi, Orgovyx, Elrexfio, Tivdak and Talzenna. Its primary care products include Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, the Prevnar family, Comirnaty, Abrysvo, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, Nimenrix, Trumenba, and Paxlovid. Its specialty care products include Xeljanz, Enbrel (outside the United States and Canada), Inflectra, Abrilada, Cibinqo, Litfulo, Eucrisa, Velsipity, the Vyndaqel family, Genotropin, and others. Its PF-08653944 is an ultra-long-acting fully biased GLP-1 receptor agonist.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Rapid Strategic Shift: Following the abandonment of its own drug, Pfizer quickly acquired a company with a promising GLP-1 candidate, closing the deal in November 2025, demonstrating its agility and adaptability in drug development.
- Long-Term Investment Potential: Although Pfizer's market value has dropped about 50% from its 2021 highs, its $150 billion market cap and a 6.2% dividend yield continue to attract long-term investors, with management committed to maintaining the dividend, reflecting confidence in the company's future prospects.
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- Setback in GLP-1 Development: Pfizer was forced to abandon its internally developed GLP-1 weight loss drug in April 2025, resulting in a significant setback as it falls behind competitors like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly in an emerging drug niche.
- Strong Market Demand: Despite Pfizer's challenges, Eli Lilly's GLP-1 drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound saw revenue growth of 99% and 175% respectively in 2025, highlighting the robust demand and competitive pressure in this market.
- Rapid Acquisition of New Candidate: Pfizer quickly pivoted by acquiring a company with a promising GLP-1 candidate in November 2025, demonstrating its agility in response to setbacks, even as its market cap declined to $150 billion.
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- Clinical Trial Progress: The injectable version of VK2735 is currently in phase 3 clinical trials, while the oral version completed phase 2 trials last year with highly promising initial results, laying a solid foundation for future commercialization.
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