Pfizer's Stock Surges Amid Metsera Bidding War Ranks 24th in 3.07 Billion Trading Volume

Market Snapshot

Pfizer (PFE) rose 0.98% on November 6, 2025, closing at $24.32 per share. The stock ranked 24th in trading volume for the day, with $3.07 billion in total volume, reflecting heightened investor activity amid ongoing developments in its acquisition battle for obesity drug developer Metsera. Despite the modest price gain, the trading data underscores the stock’s elevated profile in a market segment dominated by healthcare and biopharmaceutical equities.

Key Drivers

The recent volatility in Pfizer’s stock price is primarily tied to its high-stakes legal and strategic battle with Novo Nordisk over the acquisition of Metsera. Following a Delaware Chancery Court ruling that denied Pfizer’s request to block Novo’s $10 billion bid for the obesity-focused biotech, Metsera is now free to pursue the higher offer. This decision has intensified competition between the two pharmaceutical giants, with Pfizer reportedly matching Novo’s bid and preparing to further sweeten its terms. The legal dispute, which includes antitrust allegations from Pfizer, has introduced regulatory uncertainty but also signaled the strategic value of Metsera’s pipeline in the booming obesity drug market.

Institutional investor activity has also contributed to the stock’s momentum. First Horizon Advisors Inc. increased its stake in Pfizer by 9% during the second quarter, holding $21.8 million worth of shares, while other firms like Curio Wealth LLC raised their positions by over 36,000%. These moves suggest confidence in Pfizer’s long-term fundamentals, including its robust dividend yield of 7.1% and its recent financial guidance. The company raised its 2025 adjusted EPS forecast to $3.00–$3.15, reflecting improved operational efficiency and strong performance from non-COVID products like Eliquis and Vyndaqel.

The broader market context further supports Pfizer’s resilience. Analysts have maintained a “Hold” rating with a consensus price target of $28.24, while the stock’s low P/E ratio of 12.93 and market cap of $138.24 billion highlight its appeal as a value play. Institutional ownership at 68.36% indicates a stable base of long-term investors, though the recent bidding war for Metsera introduces short-term risks. The Federal Trade Commission’s scrutiny of Novo’s two-step bid structure adds regulatory complexity, potentially delaying a resolution and keeping the stock in a state of flux.

Pfizer’s financial discipline and cost-cutting initiatives have also bolstered its position. The company’s FY 2025 guidance accounts for a $1.35 billion in-process R&D charge but remains optimistic about achieving $7.2 billion in cost savings by 2027. These measures, combined with a resilient core portfolio and a high dividend payout ratio of 91.49%, position Pfizer to maintain its market share despite declining revenue from pandemic-era products like Paxlovid and Comirnaty. However, the outcome of the Metsera acquisition will be pivotal in determining whether Pfizer can establish itself as a major player in the obesity drug market, which is projected to grow to $150 billion by 2030.

The interplay of legal, regulatory, and strategic factors has created a dynamic environment for Pfizer’s stock. While the company’s financials and institutional backing provide a solid foundation, the uncertainty surrounding the Metsera deal and antitrust challenges could lead to further volatility. Investors are closely monitoring developments in the bidding war, with potential outcomes ranging from a successful acquisition strengthening Pfizer’s pipeline to a regulatory intervention reshaping the competitive landscape. The stock’s ability to maintain its 0.98% gain will depend on how these factors resolve in the coming weeks.