New York, January 7, 2026, 09:54 EST — Regular session
- Pfizer shares rose about 0.9% early Wednesday, after closing at $25.43 a day earlier
- UBS began coverage with a Neutral rating and a $25 price target
- Bayer’s Monsanto sued Pfizer and other COVID-19 vaccine makers over alleged mRNA patent misuse
Pfizer shares rose about 0.9% to $25.67 in morning trade on Wednesday, even as investors weighed a new patent lawsuit tied to its COVID-19 vaccine and a cautious call from UBS.
UBS began coverage of Pfizer with a Neutral rating and a $25 price target, pointing to what it described as revenue uncertainty as several big drugs face patent expirations in coming years. UBS estimated roughly $15 billion to $20 billion of annual revenue is exposed to loss of exclusivity — when patents expire and cheaper rivals move in — including Vyndaqel/Vyndamax, Eliquis, Ibrance and Xtandi.
Pfizer has been trying to convince investors it can rebuild growth as COVID-era sales fade and older products lose protection. “2025 was a year of strong execution and strategic progress for Pfizer,” the company said in December, as it issued 2026 guidance of $59.5 billion to $62.5 billion in revenue and adjusted profit of $2.80 to $3.00 per share. Pfizer
Bayer’s Monsanto sued Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna in Delaware federal court, alleging they misused Monsanto technology developed in the 1980s to help stabilize messenger RNA, or mRNA, for vaccines. Bayer said it is seeking monetary damages and is not trying to block vaccine manufacturing; Moderna said it is aware of the case and will defend itself, while Pfizer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Investors are also looking ahead to next week’s J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, where CEO Albert Bourla is scheduled to speak on January 12 at 9:45 a.m. PST. Pfizer has said it will webcast the session.
The company’s next hard catalyst is its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 report. Pfizer has set a February 3 conference call with analysts for 10:00 a.m. EST, with its performance report due that morning.
A key risk is that fresh litigation adds another distraction just as investors are looking for clearer proof Pfizer can replace shrinking COVID revenue and offset looming patent losses. An adverse ruling could mean damages or a settlement, while a weaker outlook on February 3 could refocus attention on the 2026 earnings drop baked into management’s guidance.
