Should I buy Pfizer stock in 2025 as a New Zealand investor?

What is Pfizer?

How much is the Pfizer stock?

The price of Pfizer stock is rising this week. As of now, Pfizer is trading at $23.45 USD, up 1.16% over the past 24 hours, and showing a weekly gain of 1.78%. Pfizer holds a market capitalisation of $133.32 billion USD, with a 3-month average volume of 53.76 million shares. The current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio sits at 16.99, while its attractive dividend yield stands at 7.33%. With a low stock beta of 0.50, Pfizer tends to show less volatility than the broader market—making it an appealing consideration for New Zealand investors seeking stability and income.

Our complete analysis of the Pfizer stock

Having rigorously reviewed Pfizer’s (NYSE: PFE) latest financial results and stock performance across the last three years, we have leveraged an array of analytical inputs—ranging from proprietary financial indicators and technical setups to detailed peer benchmarking—to build a comprehensive picture of the current investment environment. Our assessment, triangulated via state-of-the-art algorithms, highlights evolving dynamics in the global pharmaceuticals sector and Pfizer’s robust position within it. So, why might Pfizer stock once again become a strategic entry point into global healthcare in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Pfizer’s share price, as of 30 May 2025, closed at $23.45 USD, within a 52-week range of $20.92 to $31.54. While the 12-month performance remains muted at -15.71%, the recent trend signals stabilisation, with a weekly gain of +1.78% and a narrowing of losses over the past quarter. The global pharmaceutical sector, long regarded as defensive, is currently benefiting from renewed investor interest, driven by cyclical macro trends such as population aging, medical innovation, and persistent demand for healthcare solutions amid persistent global health challenges.

Recent milestones have been notably positive for Pfizer. The Q3 2024 results revealed a substantial jump in revenue (+31% year-on-year to $17.7 billion), and a dramatic swing back to profitability (net profit of $4.47 billion versus a $2.38 billion loss in Q3 2023). Notably, Pfizer’s integration of Seagen, the $43 billion oncology specialist, is already contributing tangible top-line gains. Moreover, activist investor Starboard Value’s $1 billion holding in Pfizer is catalysing governance reforms and cost rationalisation programmes, indicating growing institutional confidence.

Importantly for NZ-based investors, currency stability and the US market’s resilience provide an attractive platform for exposure to a blue-chip pharmaceutical leader, while the sector’s low beta (0.50) acts as a buffer against high NZX volatility or broader market swings.

Technical Analysis

• Relative Strength Index (RSI, 14 days): At 53.62, RSI indicates the stock is neither overbought nor oversold, hinting at accumulating momentum for a possible upward move.
• MACD: At 0.01 and showing a positive crossover, MACD supports short-term bullishness.
• Key Moving Averages: The 200-day moving average sits at $25.60, suggesting that a close above this level could confirm a long-term trend reversal.
• Support & Resistance: Key daily support is at $21.53, with short-term support at $22.65. Resistance is marked at $22.93–$22.46, with the current price already above these levels, indicating that a new base may be forming.

Favourable technical momentum, coupled with supportive institutional volumes, points to a constructive setup for medium-term capital appreciation. The technical “floor” formed during Q2 2025 suggests risk/reward is skewed positively for new entrants.

Fundamental Analysis

• Revenue Growth: Full-year 2024 revenue totalled $63.6 billion (+7% operational growth), with Q3 2024 delivering an impressive $17.7 billion, up 31% year-on-year.
• Profitability: Adjusted EPS surged to $1.41 in 2024, with Q3 adjusted EPS at $1.06—substantially surpassing consensus expectations.
• Attractive Valuation: The trailing P/E ratio stands at 16.99, but the forward P/E is markedly lower at 8.03, reflecting consensus expectations for a strong earnings rebound.
• Dividend Profile: With a yield of 7.33% and quarterly payout of $0.43/share, income investors receive robust and consistent compensation, supporting total return ambitions.

Structurally, Pfizer retains sector-leading positions in cardiovascular, oncology, vaccines, and anti-infectives, all underpinned by a robust global brand and an extensive R&D engine. The successful integration of Seagen broadens the oncology portfolio and enhances future revenue visibility—signs of strategic adaptability.

These factors, combined with analyst consensus price targets (median $29.24, range $23.23–$43.50), underpin a +29% potential upside from current levels, with valuation and operational metrics both aligning to support a constructive long-term thesis.

Volume and Liquidity

Pfizer’s average three-month trading volume stands at a striking 53.76 million shares, underlining sustained investor engagement and deep liquidity. A public float of 5.67 billion shares further enables efficient price discovery and underpins valuation dynamics. This high level of activity reflects continued market confidence and supports tight spreads, making PFE an ideal candidate for both retail and institutional portfolios seeking a liquid, USD-denominated play with global reach.

For Kiwi investors, the stock’s liquidity ensures cost-effective entry and exit execution on international trading platforms. It also contributes to its dynamic valuation, enabling swift price reaction to positive news or sector re-ratings.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

• Product Pipeline Advancements: At least four regulatory milestones and up to nine Phase 3 clinical readouts are expected in 2025, spanning vaccines and specialty therapeutics. This rich pipeline is poised to deliver new revenue streams and margin expansion.
• COVID and RSV Franchise: Stabilisation in COVID-19 product demand (Paxlovid, vaccines) is likely to provide a floor under revenues, while recent US approval of Abrysvo (RSV vaccine) for younger adults opens a new and potentially lucrative segment.
• Cost Optimisation: A $4.5 billion cost reduction programme, scheduled for completion by end-2025, is on track to deliver substantial operating leverage and improve profitability.
• ESG and Governance: Active engagement by Starboard Value is driving positive changes in strategic direction and governance standards—a factor increasingly relevant to institutional and ESG-focused investors.
• Favourable Guidance: For 2025, management projects $61–$64 billion in topline revenue and adjusted EPS of $2.80–$3.00, underpinning a forecast 10% operational EPS growth rate.

Collectively, these catalysts strengthen the bullish narrative, with Pfizer demonstrating renewed operational discipline, innovation focus, and yield attractiveness.

Investment Strategies

Short-term:

• Intraday upward momentum (+1.16%) and RSI/MACD alignment offer trading opportunities targeting resistance levels ($24–$25), with tight stop-loss positioning below $22.
• Entry on minor dips toward $22.65 support can optimise risk/reward.

Medium-term:

• Building positions as the stock consolidates in the low-to-mid $20s seems opportune, especially with catalysts (Phase 3 trials, regulatory approvals) forecast for H2 2025 and cost savings set to materialise.
• Monitor volume spikes or sustained trades above the 200-day moving average for confirmation of a new bullish phase.

Long-term:

• For income and growth portfolios, incremental accumulation below consensus target ($29.24) appears warranted given the dividend yield, rising earnings outlook, and long-term healthcare demand trends.
• Current valuation metrics favour new positions ahead of sector tailwinds, especially for NZ investors seeking global diversification and US dollar exposure in a defensive industry.

Is it the Right Time to Buy Pfizer?

Pfizer combines a compelling array of attributes: stabilising fundamentals, robust financial flexibility, a sector-leading dividend, active pipeline development, and powerful macro-level tailwinds for healthcare spending. The upbeat Q3 2024 results and strong 2025 guidance signal meaningful momentum, while the forward P/E of only 8.03 and 7.33% yield position Pfizer as notably undervalued relative to its defensive peers.

The technical structure reinforces this opportunity, with solid support, favourable volume, and bullish trend signals aligning to point toward a likely new phase of outperformance. With up to 29% upside implied by current analyst targets, ongoing strategic initiatives—cost controls, acquisition synergies, next-generation product launches—and active shareholder engagement from leading activists, the case for renewed interest in Pfizer stock is exceptionally strong.

For NZ investors seeking a resilient, globally diversified, and income-generative healthcare position, Pfizer seems to represent an excellent opportunity at a technical and cyclical low, ahead of a cluster of positive catalysts. In sum, the fundamentals, momentum, and strategic direction of Pfizer may well justify positioning now for potential sector-leading returns through 2025 and beyond—the stock stands ready to deliver both defensive stability and tangible upside in a transforming global health landscape.

Pfizer presents an opportune and conviction-worthy entry point for investors seeking reliable yield, strong fundamentals, and exposure to transformative healthcare innovation on the world stage.

How to buy Pfizer stock in New Zealand?

Buying Pfizer (PFE) shares online is now straightforward and secure for New Zealand investors, thanks to regulated digital brokers. You can choose between two main strategies: classic 'spot' buying, where you own the shares outright, or trading contracts-for-difference (CFDs), which allow you to speculate on price movements using leverage without owning the underlying stock. Both approaches are accessible from NZ, with standard security and regulatory protections. The key differences—including fees, ownership, and risk—are detailed below and summarised further down the page in our comprehensive broker comparison.

Cash buying

When you buy Pfizer shares ‘spot’, you become the direct, legal owner of those shares. This means you’re entitled to potential dividends and voting rights, and your shares can grow in value over time. For Kiwis using a leading online broker, expect to pay a fixed commission per trade. Fees typically range from NZ$5 to NZ$15 per transaction, depending on the platform.

Concrete Example

If the Pfizer share price is US$23.45 (approx. NZ$38 using a 1.62 FX rate), a NZ$1,000 stake (after a NZ$5 commission) allows you to buy around 26 shares (NZ$995 ÷ NZ$38 ≈ 26).

Gain scenario: If Pfizer’s share price goes up by 10%, your 26 shares are now worth NZ$1,100.

Result: That’s a NZ$100 gross gain (+10% return on your capital, before currency conversion and taxes).

Trading via CFD

CFDs (Contracts for Difference) let you trade on Pfizer’s price movements without actually owning shares. Through a regulated broker, you can use leverage—commonly up to 5x on major US stocks—amplifying both gains and losses. While you pay the spread (the broker’s buy/sell price difference) and likely a small daily financing fee for overnight positions, CFDs are popular for shorter-term, flexible strategies.

Concrete Example

You open a NZ$1,000 CFD position in Pfizer using 5x leverage. That gives you exposure to NZ$5,000 worth of Pfizer stock.

Gain scenario: If Pfizer rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.

Result: That’s a NZ$400 gain on a NZ$1,000 stake (excluding spreads and financing costs).

Final advice

Before you buy or trade Pfizer shares, always compare the brokers’ fees, order execution, and platform features—these can have a real impact on your profits over time. Your ideal choice depends on whether you prefer to own shares long-term, or to capitalise on short-term market moves via CFDs. To help you weigh your options, see our detailed NZ broker comparison further down the page.

Our 7 tips for buying Pfizer stock

The latest news about Pfizer

Pfizer stock gains 1.78% over the last week amid improved post-COVID business stability. In the past seven days, Pfizer’s share price has advanced to $23.45 USD, reflecting a +1.78% weekly gain supported by positive sentiment from quarterly earnings and a broader recovery in the pharmaceutical sector. This performance, while modest in global context, stands out for New Zealand investors seeking stable blue-chip exposure and defensive income streams, notably given the increased market attention to healthcare stocks as inflation and rate pressures ease.

Pfizer reported Q3 2024 results that exceeded analyst expectations, strengthening its fundamental outlook. Revenues jumped 31% year-on-year in Q3 2024 to $17.7 billion, and adjusted EPS came in at $1.06 versus the $0.62 consensus, marking a significant earnings beat. Net profit reached $4.47 billion, a turnaround from the prior year’s loss. For analysts and asset managers in New Zealand, these results reinforce the earnings quality of Pfizer and its ability to execute, which is especially relevant for local funds with exposure to global healthcare indices or direct US equity holdings.

The company continues to deliver attractive dividends, with a yield of 7.33% and stable payout schedule. Pfizer’s annual dividend sits at $1.72 per share, with a recently confirmed quarterly payout of $0.43 and an ex-dividend date of 9 May 2025. The sustained dividend is a compelling factor for New Zealand yield-focused investors, particularly amid exchange rate fluctuations where USD-denominated income streams from established multinational companies offer portfolio diversification and consistent cash flow.

Strategic milestones such as the successful Seagen integration and advances in the vaccine business support medium-term growth. The $43 billion Seagen acquisition now contributes substantially to revenues, particularly in oncology, while the new Abrysvo RSV vaccine received regulatory approval to expand its addressable market. These developments not only improve Pfizer’s growth profile, but also carry implications for New Zealand’s pharmaceutical supply chain and access to innovative therapies, as Pfizer distributors and partners seek to bring new products into the local market in alignment with Medsafe approvals.

Analyst consensus targets a 29% price upside, with a strong R&D pipeline and operational guidance maintained for 2025. Wall Street projections place a $29.24 average price target on PFE, underpinned by operational guidance of 10% EPS growth and steady revenues ($61-64 billion) for 2025. With multiple pipeline milestones expected next year—including up to nine phase 3 readouts—this outlook supports continued institutional interest from NZ pension and sovereign funds looking for global healthcare leaders with potential for capital appreciation and innovation-driven expansion.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.