Haleon

Pfizer CEO Dr. Albert Bourla's bold bet on a Covid-19 vaccine paid off, making Pfizer a household name and generating billions in sales. However, Pfizer's stock price has since dropped due to miscalculated vaccine demand and underperforming post-pandemic goals. Activist investor Starboard Value has taken a $1 billion stake in Pfizer, criticizing Bourla's leadership. Despite this, Bourla enjoys support from Pfizer's board and has implemented cost-cutting measures and reorganization efforts. Pfizer's post-pandemic slump, miscalculated demand, and underperforming new drug launches have led to a significant drop in stock value. Starboard's campaign against Bourla has become personal, accusing Pfizer of pressuring former executives to support Bourla. Bourla's ambitious goals and risks during the pandemic have been both praised and criticized, with some acquisitions yet to yield results.

Pfizer's stock has fallen 60% since its peak during the pandemic, but its Q2 2024 revenue rose 2.1% YoY, with non-COVID revenue up 14%. The company has 113 drugs in its pipeline, including a GLP-1 treatment, and trades at 10.74X forward earnings with a 5.88% dividend yield. Pfizer also has over $10 billion in cash after selling its HLN position, and its stock shows a potential cup and handle formation.

The global OTC drug and dietary supplement market was valued at $310.96 billion in 2023, expected to reach $438.25 billion by 2028, and $632.1 billion by 2033. Factors driving growth include health consciousness, dietary supplement demand, government initiatives, aging population, and e-commerce expansion. Key segments include vitamin and dietary supplements, tablets, and pharmacies. North America leads the market, with Asia-Pacific and Africa expected to grow fastest.

Avantor enters 10-year virtual power purchase agreement for 25GWh of renewable energy annually from 2026, supporting three new solar projects in Spain. The agreement reflects Avantor's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering supply chain costs.

5 in 6 Americans who tried to quit smoking in 2022 failed, highlighting ineffective treatments and lack of innovation. Despite the addiction killing 480,000 annually, no new class of drugs has been approved in nearly two decades. Drugmakers and the FDA are criticized for lackadaisical approaches and stringent approval standards, focusing more on profitable drugs for rare cancers. Advocates call for a 'Reduce to Quit' approach and more flexible FDA standards to address the public health crisis.

GSK Plc reported a 10% increase in Q4 adjusted operating profit to £1.75 billion, with Arexvy vaccine sales reaching £1.2 billion in 2023. Shingrix sales grew 17% annually to £3.5 billion. The company forecasts 5%-7% sales growth and 7%-10% profit increase in 2024, upgrading long-term growth outlooks.