Since May 2025, Pfizer (PFE) traded in a narrow range between $24.00 and $26. The company does not have shareholder confidence in its acquisition strategy. Still, its latest $10 billion buyout did not hurt PFE stock by much.
Pfizer outmaneuvered Novo Nordisk’s (NVO) bid to buy Metsera. It accepted the $10 billion offer, which closed on Nov. 15. Metsera (MTSR) shareholders get $86.25 per share, all in cash. To help pay for the deal, Pfizer planned to divest its holding in BioNTech (BNTX) at prices between $108 - $111.70. The sale of 4.55 million ADRs would raise around $510 million. BNTX stock closed last week at $103.09.
Pfizer is exiting BioNTech at the right time. The Covid-era vaccine sales boom ended several years ago. Novavax (NVAX) and Moderna (MRNA) are both struggling to grow their long-term revenue.
Merck (MRK) rose from the low $80s in recent weeks to trade above $92. It offered $221.50 per share for Cidara Therapeutics (CDTX) for a total transaction value of nearly $9.2 billion.j Cidara’s CD388 is an antiviral agent that is in Phase 3 trials. This drug is designed to prevent influenza infection in subjects who are at a higher risk of influenza complications.
Merck needs this acquisition to expand its respiratory portfolio and pipeline. This is according to Merck Research Lab’s president, Dr. Dean Y. Li. Expect Merck to perform better from here. AstraZeneca (AZN) and GSK both strengthened their business through acquisitions.
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