Pfizer's Streak Is Six

Updated from 8:13 a.m. EDT

Pfizer on Tuesday reported first-quarter financial results that topped Wall Street earnings estimates but fell slightly below the consensus view for revenue. The earnings performance exceeded analysts' consensus for the sixth consecutive quarter.

Calling the first quarter a "strong platform for growth," David Shedlarz, executive vice president and chief financial officer, said Pfizer was reiterating its full-year financial guidance of about $54 billion in revenue and net earnings -- excluding special charges -- of $16.3 billion, or $2.13 a share.

Two investment banking firms issuing early reports -- Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse First Boston -- used the same headline ("Solid First Quarter") to describe Pfizer's performance. ...