Activist Investor Starboard Slams Pfizer for Underperforming R&D And Overpaying for Acquisitions

Activist investor Starboard Value has sharpened its criticism of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE), holding the pharmaceutical giant’s management accountable for failing to deliver on its promises of innovation and growth.

Despite its relatively small stake in Pfizer, Starboard’s critique reflects broader investor frustration with the company’s stock, which has dropped about 50% since 2021.

During the Active-Passive Investor Summit, Starboard argued that Pfizer’s leadership, under CEO Albert Bourla, has not fully capitalized on the company’s momentum following the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant underperformance in R&D and M&A.

In a presentation released Tuesday, Starboard pointed out Pfizer’s $20 billion loss in market value since 2019, despite a $40 billion boost from its COVID-19 franchise.

The activist investor also expressed concerns that Pfizer’s leveraged balance sheet could hamper ...