Pfizer Earnings, Outlook Fall Short of Expectations

Reading the headlines, you might think Pfizer's (PFE) just had the best quarter ever. The biggest of Big Pharmaposted big jumps in fourth-quarter sales and profit. Unfortunately, last year's quarter contains a $2.3 billion charge to settle legal claims regarding Bextra and other drugs -- so on an adjusted basis, Pfizer's fourth-quarter earnings actually fell.