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Outperform-rated AstraZeneca stock gains traction with oncology and Symbicort growth

EditorAhmed Abdulazez Abdulkadir
Published 18/11/2024, 12:12
AZN
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On Monday, Leerink Partners updated their financial outlook on AstraZeneca (LON:AZN) (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:AZN), increasing the price target to $87.00 from $86.00 while maintaining an Outperform rating. The adjustment follows AstraZeneca's third-quarter earnings report, which showcased total revenues surpassing consensus estimates. AstraZeneca's total revenues reached $13.565 billion, a 4% beat over the expected $13.073 billion.

The company's oncology portfolio outperformed consensus predictions, with key drugs Tagrisso, Calquence, and Lynparza exceeding expectations by 4%, 2%, and 1% respectively. However, Imfinzi/Imjudo fell short by 4%. Other significant results included Symbicort, which saw a 21% increase, and Ultomiris, up by 7%. Farxiga's performance was in line with consensus.

AstraZeneca has raised its financial guidance for the fiscal year 2024, now forecasting a high-teens percentage increase in total revenue and core EPS, an upgrade from the previously anticipated mid-teens increase. The company has maintained its guidance for other income statement elements, including a lower core product sales growth margin for FY24 compared to FY23. Research and development expenses for FY24 are expected to be at the higher end of the low 20% range of total revenue.

The pharmaceutical giant reiterated its long-term targets, aiming for a mid-30s percentage core operating margin by 2026 and $80 billion in total revenue by 2030. Regarding the ongoing China investigation, AstraZeneca provided limited additional commentary but acknowledged the potential for some impact. Currently, China accounts for approximately 12-13% of the company's total revenue, a figure that is expected to decline over time as growth accelerates in markets outside of China.

Leerink Partners has revised their model in light of the third-quarter results and the updated 2024 guidance, leading to the slight increase in AstraZeneca's price target.

In other recent news, AstraZeneca has seen substantial growth in its financial performance, with a 21% increase in revenue and a 27% rise in core earnings per share (EPS) to $2.08 in the third quarter of 2024. The company has also upgraded its full-year guidance, forecasting high teens percentage growth in both total revenue and core EPS. Additionally, AstraZeneca is investing $3.5 billion in U.S. manufacturing and research and development (R&D).

The company's drug, Tagrisso, received a recommendation for approval from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of specific types of lung cancer. This approval recommendation is based on the results of the LAURA Phase III trial, which showed significant extension of median progression-free survival for patients treated with Tagrisso.

In other company news, significant share purchases were made by key figures within the company. AstraZeneca's Non-Executive Chair of the Board, Michel Demaré, acquired 2,000 ordinary shares, while CEO Pascal Soriot purchased 20,000 ordinary shares, and Philip Broadley, a Senior independent Non-Executive Director, bought 980 shares. These transactions are often seen as signs of confidence in the company's prospects.

In the sectoral front, AstraZeneca's Oncology revenues climbed by 22% to $16 billion, with significant contributions from Tagrisso and Calquence. The BioPharmaceuticals segment also saw substantial growth, with revenue reaching $15.9 billion, a 20% increase. Despite a decrease in revenue from China, AstraZeneca remains optimistic about its long-term revenue target of $80 billion by 2030.

InvestingPro Insights

To complement AstraZeneca's recent financial performance and Leerink Partners' updated outlook, InvestingPro data provides additional context for investors. AstraZeneca's market capitalization stands at $193.38 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the pharmaceutical industry. The company's revenue for the last twelve months as of Q3 2024 reached $51.21 billion, with a robust revenue growth of 13.81% over the same period.

InvestingPro Tips highlight that AstraZeneca is expected to see net income growth this year, aligning with the company's raised financial guidance for fiscal year 2024. This positive outlook is further supported by the fact that AstraZeneca has maintained dividend payments for 32 consecutive years, demonstrating consistent shareholder returns.

However, investors should note that the stock is currently trading at a P/E ratio of 29.8, which InvestingPro considers high relative to near-term earnings growth. This valuation metric may be important for investors to consider in light of the company's upgraded revenue and EPS forecasts.

For those seeking a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 11 additional tips on AstraZeneca, providing deeper insights into the company's financial health and market position.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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