Pfizer SWOT Analysis

“SWOT is an acronym for the internal Strengths and Weaknesses of a firm and
the environmental Opportunities and Threats facing that firm. SWOT analysis is a widely
used technique through which managers create a quick overview of a company’s
strategic situation. The technique is based on the assumption that an effective strategy
derives from a sound “fit” between a firm’s internal resources (strengths and
weaknesses) and its external situation (opportunities and threats). A good fit maximizes
a firm’s strengths and opportunities and minimizes its weaknesses and threats.
Accurately applied, this simple assumption has powerful implications for the design of a
successful strategy.”

Pfizer

Pfizer is one of the largest global pharmaceutical companies. The

company’s M&A and blockbuster product centric strategies have strengthened its
sales and marketing capabilities. Enhanced commercial infrastructure has helped
the company to attain the status of marketing partner of choice in the US.
However, the impending generic attack on Lipitor, one of its blockbuster drugs,
will affect the company’s sales growth rate in near future.

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 Pfizer SWOT Analysis

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT)

Location of Factor TYPE OF FACTOR
Favorable Unfavorable
Internal Strengths Weaknesses
¾ Strong sales and ¾ ‘Victim of own
marketing success’ –
infrastructure subsequent
¾ Revived blockbuster overreliance on
credentials in recent Lipitor franchise
years – Lyrica, Sutent ¾ Drought in
and Chantix/Champix blockbuster
launches between
1999 and 2004
(masked by M&A
activity)
¾ Entrenchment in
low growth therapy
area markets such
as CV and CNS
¾ Very limited
penetration of
biologics market
External Opportunities Threats
¾ Restructuring strategy ¾ Considerable
designed to cut costs exposure to generic
and create a leaner competition, focal
company point of which is
¾ Funding available to Lipitor, due to lose
facilitate patent exclusivity in
product/company 2011
¾ Acquisitions and in- ¾ Further large scale

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Pfizer SWOT Analysis

licensing/co- M&A activity could

development further decline
opportunities Pfizer’s profitability
¾ Expansion into
biologics market

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