Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) shares are trading lower by 10% to $25.13 in November and are near decade-lows after President-elect Donald Trump last week announced his intention to nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The decision has heightened concerns over potential policy shifts in vaccine regulation and pharmaceutical oversight, areas central to Pfizer's business.
What To Know: Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, has previously promoted discredited theories linking vaccines to autism. His appointment raises questions about the direction of U.S. health policy under Trump's administration, particularly regarding vaccine guidelines and FDA regulatory practices.
Pfizer, a global leader in vaccine development with products like the Prevnar pneumonia vaccine and its groundbreaking COVID-19 vaccine, could face new challenges if Kennedy's policies alter vaccine recommendations or erode public trust.
In addition to vaccines, Pfizer's broader pharmaceutical operations, including its oncology, rare disease and cardiovascular drug segments, may also be affected by changes in FDA approval processes or drug pricing strategies under Kennedy's tenure. His criticism of pharmaceutical companies' influence over public health has fueled speculation about potential reforms targeting industry practices.
Analysts warn that any major shifts in vaccine policy or regulatory frameworks could have far-reaching consequences for the pharmaceutical sector, with Pfizer among the most exposed.
How To Buy PFE Stock
By now you're likely curious about how to participate in the market for Pfizer - be it to purchase shares, or even attempt to bet against the company.
Buying shares is typically done through a brokerage account. You can find a list of possible trading platforms here. Many will allow you to buy 'fractional shares,' which allows you to own portions of stock without buying an entire share. For example, some stock, like Berkshire Hathaway, can cost thousands of dollars to own just one share. However, if you only want to invest a fraction of that, brokerages will allow you to do so.
If you're looking to bet against a company, the process is more complex. You'll need access to an options trading platform, or a broker who will allow you to 'go short' a share of stock by lending you the shares to sell. The process of shorting a stock can be found at this resource. Otherwise, if your broker allows you to trade options, you can either buy a put option, or sell a call option at a strike price above where shares are currently trading - either way it allows you to profit off of the share price decline.
According to data from Benzinga Pro, PFE has a 52-week high of $31.54 and a 52-week low of $24.48.