3 Reasons Pfizer's Failures Could Lead to a Big Acquisition

When Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) included statistics in its recent earnings release showing its pipeline performance over the past five years, there was a not-so-subtle message. The blue-chip pharmaceutical company wanted to let investors know it had an impressive track record of drug development despite some recent high-publicity setbacks.

That said, the CEO's pledge of growth may force his hand into a big acquisition to make up for the company's disappointments. After a transformation that pins future success on developing innovative medicines in areas like oncology and immunology, it might just be the acquisition of a vaccine partner that helps him keep his word.