6 February 2025
If you are covering AstraZeneca's latest results, please see the following comment from Sheena Berry, healthcare analyst at Quilter Cheviot:
"AstraZeneca posted a robust set of results this morning, with Q4 total revenue up 25% and earnings per share up 49% - both ahead of expectations. The company’s oncology franchise has also continued with strength, delivering double digit growth of 29% in Q4.
"China has proven to be an overhang on the stock following the fraud investigations of several individuals, and questions remain on exactly what impact this might have on operations in China. Sales declined 3% in the region, largely as a result of lower rates of seasonal respiratory viral infections and tightening hospital budgets. While the import tax allegation is certainly a headline generating blemish on the company, it appears manageable.
"Looking ahead, 2025 guidance implies another year of solid growth is anticipated by management. AstraZeneca is guiding to high single digit total revenue growth in 2025, with earnings per share expected to increase to low double digits. 2025 is expected to be a catalyst rich year, and this should help provide investors with confidence in the group’s $80bn revenue ambition in 2030."
