Pfizer shares dip as sales top $13bn

Pfizer reported better-than-expected quarterly results, driven by lower taxes and sales of generic medicines, but revenue from its branded patent-protected medicines brought disappointment.

Shares in the US pharmaceutical giant, among Ireland’s largest exporters employing 4,000 people here, fell almost 2.5% at one stage yesterday. The shares are up 13% this year, however.

The drugmaker did not offer any hints on whether it plans to split into two separate companies, a long-mulled potential decision that has kept investors in suspense.