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AstraZeneca PLC (GB:AZN)
LSE:AZN

AstraZeneca (AZN) AI Stock Analysis

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GBAstraZeneca
(LSE:AZN)
81Outperform
AstraZeneca's strong financial performance and positive technical indicators combine to support a favorable overall stock score. While valuation metrics suggest the stock may be overvalued, the company's strategic advancements and robust earnings guidance balance these concerns. Challenges in China and potential regulatory impacts require monitoring, but overall, AstraZeneca remains well-positioned in the pharmaceuticals industry.
Positive Factors
Clinical Trial Success
AZN announced positive top-line data from the Phase III SERENA-6 trial investigating Camizestrant in combination with CDK4/6 inhibitors in 1st-line advanced HR-positive breast cancer with an emergent ESR1 tumour mutation.
Valuation and Sales Forecast
Valuation looks attractive with mid-term guide implying high-single digit sales CAGR and supports rerating to 18x 26E P/E.
Negative Factors
Safety Concerns
Safety remains a debate with stomatitis/mucositis and now with one ILD-related death.

AstraZeneca (AZN) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

AstraZeneca Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionA merger between Astra of Sweden and Zeneca Group of the United Kingdom formed AstraZeneca in 1999. The company sells branded drugs across several major therapeutic classes, including gastrointestinal, diabetes, cardiovascular, respiratory, cancer, and immunology. The majority of sales come from international markets with the United States representing close to one third of its sales.
How the Company Makes MoneyAstraZeneca makes money through the sale of prescription medicines across its core therapy areas, which include Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. The company generates revenue by developing patented drugs and obtaining regulatory approvals to market these drugs worldwide. A significant portion of its revenue comes from blockbuster drugs, which are medications that achieve annual sales of over $1 billion. AstraZeneca also engages in strategic partnerships and collaborations with other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to enhance its research capabilities and expand its product portfolio. Additionally, the company invests in pipeline development to ensure a steady flow of new products to the market, contributing to its sustained revenue growth.

AstraZeneca Financial Statement Overview

Summary
AstraZeneca demonstrates impressive financial health with strong revenue growth and profitability, supported by efficient operational management. The balance sheet reflects a solid capital structure, although high debt levels warrant attention. Cash flow generation remains strong, reinforcing the company's financial resilience.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
AstraZeneca's income statement reveals strong financial performance with significant revenue growth over the past years. The 2024 revenue increased by 18% compared to 2023. The gross profit margin is robust at 81.1%, and the net profit margin has improved to 13%, indicating strong profitability. The EBIT margin stands at 18.5%, while the EBITDA margin is 31.7%, both reflecting efficient operations. Overall, AstraZeneca shows a positive trajectory with improving margins.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The balance sheet displays a solid financial position with an improving debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74 in 2024, reflecting manageable leverage. The return on equity increased to 17.2%, highlighting effective use of shareholder funds. The equity ratio is steady at 39.2%, indicating a well-capitalized structure. However, high total debt remains a potential risk factor, requiring close monitoring.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
Cash flow analysis shows AstraZeneca's strong operational cash flow, with a 14.6% increase in operating cash flow from 2023 to 2024. The free cash flow to net income ratio is healthy, indicating good cash generation relative to net income. Free cash flow has grown by 10.8% in the same period, underscoring strong cash management. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 1.69, suggesting robust cash conversion.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
54.07B45.81B44.35B37.42B26.62B
Gross Profit
43.87B37.77B31.96B24.98B21.32B
EBIT
10.00B8.19B3.76B1.06B5.16B
EBITDA
17.12B13.91B9.09B5.11B8.08B
Net Income Common Stockholders
7.04B5.96B3.29B112.00M3.20B
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
5.65B5.86B6.41B6.40B7.99B
Total Assets
104.03B101.12B96.48B105.36B66.73B
Total Debt
30.11B28.62B29.23B30.78B20.38B
Net Debt
24.63B22.78B23.07B24.45B12.55B
Total Liabilities
63.16B61.95B59.42B66.08B51.09B
Stockholders Equity
40.79B39.14B37.04B39.27B15.62B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
7.28B6.57B7.24B3.76B2.19B
Operating Cash Flow
11.86B10.35B9.81B5.96B4.80B
Investing Cash Flow
-7.98B-4.06B-2.96B-11.06B-285.00M
Financing Cash Flow
-4.00B-6.57B-6.82B3.65B-2.20B

AstraZeneca Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price12062.00
Price Trends
50DMA
11120.01
Positive
100DMA
10854.35
Positive
200DMA
11488.23
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
259.74
Negative
RSI
67.71
Neutral
STOCH
73.28
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:AZN, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 12062 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 11731.14, above the 50-day MA of 11120.01, and above the 200-day MA of 11488.23, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 259.74 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 67.71 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 73.28 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for GB:AZN.

AstraZeneca Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (49)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
GBAZN
81
Outperform
£187.07B33.9617.25%2.06%14.82%14.98%
GBGSK
70
Outperform
£60.33B23.4218.84%4.12%3.46%-48.06%
49
Neutral
$7.05B0.34-55.09%2.46%25.27%-3.43%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:AZN
AstraZeneca
12,062.00
1,824.98
17.83%
GB:GSK
GlaxoSmithKline
1,483.00
-126.30
-7.85%
GB:HIK
Hikma Pharmaceuticals
2,158.00
306.72
16.57%
GB:INDV
Indivior
722.50
-927.50
-56.21%

AstraZeneca Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 6, 2025 | % Change Since: 9.99% | Next Earnings Date: Apr 29, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a strong performance over the past year with significant financial growth and pipeline advancements. However, challenges in China and anticipated impacts from IRA and VBP present headwinds. The company remains optimistic about its growth strategy and future opportunities.
Highlights
Strong Financial Performance in 2024
Total revenue increased by 21% and core EPS grew by 19%, illustrating strong underlying momentum. Core operating expenses grew by 14%, showing leverage with lower growth relative to total revenue.
Pipeline Advancements
Nine high-value pivotal trials readouts were delivered, representing over $5 billion in non-risk adjusted peak year revenue. Eight new medicines were approved, including Datroway.
Emerging Markets Growth
Emerging market growth was at 22% in 2024, with non-China emerging markets growing by 32%.
Oncology Segment Success
Oncology delivered total revenues of $22.4 billion, a 24% increase, with key medicines achieving significant milestones. Tagrisso achieved over $6.5 billion, and Calquence grew by 20%.
BioPharmaceuticals Growth
BioPharmaceuticals medicine saw revenue growing 21% to $21.9 billion in 2024, with strong growth in R&I (28%) and CVRM (17%).
Rare Disease Segment Growth
Rare disease delivered total revenue of $8.8 billion in 2024, up 16% year-over-year, driven by increased patient demand and new market launches.
Lowlights
Challenges in China
Ongoing investigations in China regarding suspected unpaid importation taxes totaling $900,000 could lead to fines of up to five times the amount of avoided import duties.
China Revenue Decline
China revenues grew by 11% in 2024, but declined by 3% in the fourth quarter due to year-end hospital ordering dynamics and lower demand for respiratory products.
Impact of IRA and VBP
Anticipated negative impact on product sales growth margin due to the IRA in the U.S. and VBP inclusion for several medicines in China.
Soliris Revenue Decline
Soliris revenue continued to decline due to successful conversion to Ultomiris, competition, and biosimilar pressure in Europe.
Company Guidance
The call provided comprehensive guidance on the company's performance and future outlook, highlighting several key metrics. In 2024, the company achieved a 21% increase in total revenue and a 19% rise in core EPS, while maintaining a 14% growth in core operating expenses. The company conducted nine pivotal trial readouts, representing over $5 billion in non-risk adjusted peak year revenue. For 2025, the guidance anticipates a high single-digit percentage increase in total revenue and a low double-digit percentage rise in core EPS. The core product sales gross margin is expected to decline by 70 basis points due to factors like the IRA in the U.S. and VBP inclusion in China. The company plans to increase CapEx by 50% in 2025, driven by investments in manufacturing and technology. Additionally, the full-year dividend is projected to increase to $3.20 per share. The company continues to focus on growth in emerging markets, with overall emerging market growth at 22% in 2024.

AstraZeneca Corporate Events

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
AstraZeneca Announces Share Capital and Voting Rights Update
Neutral
Mar 3, 2025

AstraZeneca PLC announced that as of 28 February 2025, its issued share capital with voting rights consists of 1,550,607,175 ordinary shares, with no shares held in Treasury. This figure is crucial for shareholders to determine their notification requirements under the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules, impacting how they manage their interests in the company.

Product-Related Announcements
AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi Regimen Recommended for EU Approval in Lung Cancer Treatment
Positive
Mar 3, 2025

AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi, in combination with chemotherapy, has been recommended for approval by the CHMP in the EU for treating adults with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at high risk of recurrence. This recommendation is based on the AEGEAN Phase III trial results, which demonstrated a 32% reduction in the risk of recurrence, progression, or death compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone. The approval could significantly enhance AstraZeneca’s position in the oncology market, providing a new treatment option for patients with early-stage lung cancer, addressing a high unmet medical need.

Product-Related Announcements
AstraZeneca’s Enhertu Gains EU Approval Recommendation for Breast Cancer Treatment
Positive
Feb 28, 2025

AstraZeneca, in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo, announced that their drug Enhertu has been recommended for approval in the EU for treating patients with HER2-low or HER2-ultralow metastatic breast cancer, based on the DESTINY-Breast06 Phase III trial results. This recommendation by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) marks a significant advancement in breast cancer treatment, offering a new HER2-directed therapy option for patients who have progressed on endocrine therapy, potentially improving outcomes and shifting current treatment paradigms.

Product-Related AnnouncementsBusiness Operations and Strategy
AstraZeneca’s Camizestrant Shows Promising Results in Advanced Breast Cancer Trial
Positive
Feb 26, 2025

AstraZeneca announced positive interim results from the SERENA-6 Phase III trial, where its drug camizestrant, combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors, showed significant improvement in progression-free survival for patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer with emergent ESR1 mutations. This marks the first time a next-generation oral SERD has demonstrated such benefits in the first-line setting, potentially shifting clinical practice and offering a new standard-of-care for these patients. The trial’s design, using ctDNA to guide treatment switches, highlights a novel approach in managing endocrine resistance, with implications for future breast cancer therapies.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
AstraZeneca Files 2024 Annual Report with SEC
Positive
Feb 19, 2025

AstraZeneca announced the filing of its 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, providing stakeholders access to its complete audited financial statements. This filing underscores AstraZeneca’s transparency and commitment to compliance, which can enhance trust among investors and affirm its strong position in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Business Operations and Strategy
Capital Group Increases Stake in AstraZeneca
Neutral
Feb 18, 2025

The Capital Group Companies, Inc., a major investment management company based in Los Angeles, has acquired a significant stake in AstraZeneca PLC, crossing a 5% threshold of voting rights on January 29, 2025. This acquisition highlights Capital Group’s strategic interest in AstraZeneca’s operations, potentially influencing the company’s future governance and strategic decisions.

Shareholder MeetingsFinancial DisclosuresRegulatory Filings and Compliance
AstraZeneca Releases 2024 Annual Financial Report
Neutral
Feb 18, 2025

AstraZeneca PLC has published its Annual Report and Form 20-F Information for 2024, which is available on the company’s website and will soon be accessible via the National Storage Mechanism. The report includes key regulated information such as principal risks, directors’ responsibilities, and related party transactions. The company’s Annual General Meeting is scheduled for April 11, 2025. This announcement highlights AstraZeneca’s commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance, potentially influencing its stakeholders and market positioning.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
AstraZeneca Announces Board Changes with Focus on Science and Sustainability
Neutral
Feb 18, 2025

AstraZeneca announced proposed board changes with Karen Knudsen, a recognized cancer scientist, being nominated as a Non-Executive Director at the upcoming AGM in April 2025. Knudsen, known for her work in oncology and healthcare innovation, is set to join the Science and Sustainability Committees. Concurrently, Deborah DiSanzo and Andreas Rummelt will retire from the board. These changes reflect AstraZeneca’s strategic focus on enhancing its expertise in science and sustainability, potentially influencing its industry positioning and operations.

Legal ProceedingsDividendsFinancial Disclosures
AstraZeneca Reports Strong 2024 Results Amidst Legal Challenges in China
Positive
Feb 6, 2025

AstraZeneca reported a robust financial performance for the year 2024, with Total Revenue increasing by 21% and Core EPS growing by 19%. The growth was primarily driven by strong sales across its key therapeutic areas, including a 24% rise in oncology. The company also achieved milestones in drug approvals in various regions and announced plans to increase dividends and capital expenditure in 2025. Furthermore, AstraZeneca is facing a legal issue in China regarding unpaid importation taxes, which it is cooperating with authorities to resolve.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
AstraZeneca Announces Voting Rights Structure as of January 2025
Neutral
Feb 3, 2025

AstraZeneca PLC announced that as of 31 January 2025, its issued share capital with voting rights comprises 1,550,581,134 ordinary shares. This figure is crucial for shareholders to determine their notification requirements under the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules, indicating transparency in the company’s voting rights structure and facilitating shareholder engagement.

Product-Related AnnouncementsBusiness Operations and Strategy
AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi Receives EU Recommendation for LS-SCLC Immunotherapy
Positive
Feb 3, 2025

AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi has been recommended for approval in the European Union as the first immunotherapy for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) based on the ADRIATIC Phase III trial, which demonstrated a significant survival benefit. This recommendation is expected to enhance AstraZeneca’s position in the oncology market by providing a new treatment option for LS-SCLC patients, potentially improving survival rates and offering a practice-changing therapy in Europe.

Product-Related Announcements
Enhertu Gains US FDA Approval for Broader Breast Cancer Treatment
Positive
Jan 28, 2025

AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo’s Enhertu has received FDA approval in the US for treating patients with HR-positive, HER2-low or HER2-ultralow metastatic breast cancer after disease progression on endocrine therapies. This approval, based on the DESTINY-Breast06 Phase III trial results, marks a significant advancement by allowing a new treatment option that offers a median progression-free survival of over a year, positioning Enhertu as a potential new standard of care and broadening the patient population eligible for HER2-directed therapies.

Product-Related Announcements
AstraZeneca’s Datroway Gains US Approval for Advanced Breast Cancer Treatment
Positive
Jan 20, 2025

AstraZeneca, in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo, has received its first US approval for Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan), a TROP2-directed antibody drug conjugate, for treating previously treated metastatic HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. The approval, based on the TROPION-Breast01 Phase III trial results, marks a significant milestone in offering a new treatment option, reducing disease progression or death risk by 37% compared to chemotherapy, thereby advancing AstraZeneca’s goal to provide innovative cancer therapies.

AstraZeneca’s Calquence Gains FDA Approval for First-Line Mantle Cell Lymphoma Treatment
Jan 17, 2025

AstraZeneca announced the US FDA approval of Calquence in combination with bendamustine and rituximab for previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients, marking the first BTK inhibitor approved for first-line MCL treatment. This approval, based on ECHO Phase III trial results, enhances AstraZeneca’s position in oncology by offering a new treatment option for a rare and aggressive cancer, thus potentially transforming MCL patient care and reinforcing Calquence as a key therapy in blood cancers.

AstraZeneca Announces Share Capital and Voting Rights Update
Jan 2, 2025

AstraZeneca has announced its issued share capital with voting rights as of December 31, 2024, stands at 1,550,546,239 ordinary shares. This figure is crucial for shareholders to calculate and notify any changes in their interest in AstraZeneca under the UK’s financial regulations. This transparency in voting rights and capital structure is vital for maintaining compliance with the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s rules, potentially impacting investor relations and market trust.

AstraZeneca Withdraws EU Application for Lung Cancer Drug
Dec 24, 2024

AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo have withdrawn their EU marketing application for datopotamab deruxtecan for advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer following feedback from the European Medicines Agency. Despite this, they remain committed to advancing this treatment through ongoing clinical trials and are continuing to pursue its potential in various lung cancer settings. The withdrawal highlights the challenges in bringing new cancer therapies to market and underscores the companies’ resilience in exploring further development opportunities for this investigational drug.

AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso Gains EU Approval for Unresectable EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer
Dec 23, 2024

AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso has been approved in the EU for treating adult patients with unresectable EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), marking a significant breakthrough as the first and only EGFR inhibitor for this condition in the region. The approval, based on the LAURA Phase III trial results, shows Tagrisso significantly extends progression-free survival, setting a new standard of care for these patients and reinforcing the importance of timely EGFR mutation testing.

AstraZeneca Strengthens Board with New Non-Executive Director Appointments
Dec 16, 2024

AstraZeneca PLC announced the appointment of Rene Haas and Birgit Conix as Non-Executive Directors, effective from January and February 2025, respectively. Rene Haas, currently CEO of Arm, brings extensive experience in technology and AI, while Birgit Conix, CFO of Sonova, brings significant financial and pharmaceutical industry experience. These appointments are part of AstraZeneca’s strategic board refreshment plan as four current directors near their tenure limits, potentially strengthening the company’s governance and industry positioning.

AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi Approved for Lung Cancer Treatment
Dec 5, 2024

AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi has received FDA approval as the first immunotherapy for limited-stage small cell lung cancer, showcasing a significant advance in treatment with a 27% reduction in mortality risk. The approval is based on the ADRIATIC Phase III trial results, marking a breakthrough in a disease known for its rapid progression and poor prognosis. This development underscores AstraZeneca’s commitment to improving survival rates and offering new hope to patients.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.