AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) trades at $179.92 with AI Score 61/100 (Grade B+). AstraZeneca PLC is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines. Market cap: $279.03B, Sector: Healthcare.
Last analyzed: May 9, 2026Analyst Coverage for AZN: AZN does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates AZN against Healthcare peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns a mixed fundamental profile based on the underlying data.
AZN: 2/4 perspectives are bullish. Dominant signal: Moon AI bullish.
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) Healthcare & Pipeline Overview
AstraZeneca PLC is a global biopharmaceutical leader specializing in prescription medicines across oncology, cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases. With a strong focus on innovation and strategic collaborations, AstraZeneca serves primary and specialty care physicians worldwide, maintaining a robust pipeline of novel therapies and a diverse portfolio of established products.
What Is the Investment Thesis for AZN?
AstraZeneca PLC presents a compelling investment case driven by its robust pipeline, diverse product portfolio, and global market presence. The company's focus on key therapeutic areas like oncology, cardiovascular, and renal diseases positions it to capitalize on growing healthcare needs. With a profit margin of 17.2% and a gross margin of 79.7%, AstraZeneca demonstrates strong financial performance. Upcoming data readouts from its clinical trials and potential regulatory approvals could serve as significant catalysts. However, investors should be aware of potential risks, including patent expirations and competition from biosimilars. The company's beta of 0.28 suggests relatively low volatility compared to the broader market.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
AZN Key Highlights
- Market capitalization of $311.13 billion reflects AstraZeneca's significant presence and valuation in the global pharmaceutical market.
- P/E ratio of 26.74 indicates investor expectations for future earnings growth relative to current profitability.
- Gross margin of 79.7% showcases AstraZeneca's ability to maintain high profitability on its product sales.
- Dividend yield of 1.77% provides a steady income stream for investors, enhancing the stock's attractiveness.
- AstraZeneca's strategic collaborations with companies like Neurimmune AG and BenevolentAI highlight its commitment to innovation and drug discovery.
Who Are AZN's Competitors?
AZN is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLY Eli Lilly and Company | $1133.00 | -2.41% | 1067B | 67 |
| JNJ Johnson & Johnson | $238.27 | -0.03% | $573.57B | 53 |
| ABBV AbbVie Inc. | $227.15 | +1.06% | 402B | 52 |
| NVS Novartis AG | $153.07 | -0.55% | 293B | 57 |
| MRK Merck & Co., Inc. | $119.99 | -0.64% | $296.35B | 64 |
| FCAMX Franklin California High Yield Municipal Fund Class A1 | $9.73 | +0.00% | $3.29B | 51 |
| FEDDX Fidelity Emerging Markets Discovery Fd | $22.82 | +2.98% | $1.55B | 47 |
| FCTKX Fidelity Freedom 2055 K6 | $20.27 | +2.74% | $17.37B | 47 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are AZN's Key Strengths?
- Strong portfolio of established pharmaceutical products.
- Robust pipeline of innovative therapies in development.
- Global presence and distribution network.
- Strategic collaborations and partnerships.
What Are AZN's Weaknesses?
- Reliance on key products with patent expirations.
- Exposure to regulatory risks and challenges.
- Dependence on successful clinical trial outcomes.
- Competition from generic and biosimilar products.
What Could Drive AZN Stock Higher?
- Clinical trial results for new oncology therapies in Q3 2026.
- Regulatory approval decisions for key pipeline drugs in H2 2026.
- Expansion of existing product indications to new patient populations.
- Strategic collaborations and partnerships to enhance drug discovery and development.
- Increasing demand for AstraZeneca's products in emerging markets.
What Are the Key Risks for AZN?
- Patent expirations on key products leading to generic competition.
- Unfavorable clinical trial results impacting pipeline development.
- Regulatory challenges and pricing pressures in key markets.
- Competition from other pharmaceutical companies.
- Currency fluctuations affecting revenue and profitability.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for AZN?
- Expansion in Oncology: AstraZeneca has a significant opportunity to grow its oncology franchise, driven by innovative therapies like Tagrisso, Imfinzi, and Enhertu. The global oncology market is projected to reach $373.5 billion by 2030, presenting a substantial growth avenue. AstraZeneca's focus on targeted therapies and immuno-oncology positions it well to capture a larger market share through ongoing clinical trials and new product launches.
- Cardiovascular and Renal Disease Treatments: AstraZeneca's portfolio in cardiovascular and renal diseases, including Farxiga and Lokelma, offers significant growth potential. The increasing prevalence of diabetes and chronic kidney disease is driving demand for innovative treatments. The global market for cardiovascular drugs is expected to reach $165 billion by 2027. AstraZeneca can leverage its established presence and pipeline to address these growing needs.
- Rare Disease Portfolio Expansion: AstraZeneca's acquisition of Alexion Pharmaceuticals has strengthened its rare disease portfolio, with products like Soliris and Ultomiris. The rare disease market is characterized by high unmet needs and premium pricing. The global rare disease market is projected to reach $258.7 billion by 2030. AstraZeneca can drive growth by expanding the indications for existing products and developing new therapies for rare diseases.
- Strategic Collaborations and AI-Driven Drug Discovery: AstraZeneca's collaborations with companies like BenevolentAI and Absci Corporation in AI-driven drug discovery can accelerate the development of novel therapies. AI and machine learning are transforming drug discovery by improving efficiency and reducing development costs. These collaborations can lead to the identification of new drug targets and the development of more effective treatments, providing a competitive edge.
- Emerging Markets Growth: AstraZeneca has the opportunity to expand its presence in emerging markets, where healthcare spending is increasing rapidly. These markets offer significant growth potential due to rising incomes and improved access to healthcare. AstraZeneca can leverage its established infrastructure and partnerships to commercialize its products in these regions, contributing to overall revenue growth. Focus on markets in Asia and Africa could yield significant returns.
What Opportunities Does AZN Have?
- Expansion into emerging markets.
- Development of new therapies for unmet medical needs.
- Leveraging AI and machine learning for drug discovery.
- Strategic acquisitions and partnerships to strengthen portfolio.
What Threats Does AZN Face?
- Patent expirations and generic competition.
- Pricing pressures and reimbursement challenges.
- Adverse clinical trial results.
- Economic downturns affecting healthcare spending.
What Are AZN's Competitive Advantages?
- Patent protection for key pharmaceutical products.
- Strong brand recognition and reputation in the healthcare industry.
- Extensive global distribution network.
- Robust research and development capabilities.
- Strategic collaborations and partnerships.
What Does AZN Do?
AstraZeneca PLC, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Cambridge, UK, emerged from the merger of Astra AB and Zeneca Group PLC in 1999. The company is dedicated to the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of prescription medicines. AstraZeneca's portfolio includes well-known brands such as Tagrisso, Imfinzi, Lynparza, and Farxiga, targeting therapeutic areas including oncology, cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism. The company also offers treatments for respiratory diseases and rare conditions. AstraZeneca serves healthcare providers and patients across the globe, with a significant presence in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. Its global operations are supported by a network of distributors and local representative offices. AstraZeneca fosters innovation through strategic collaborations, such as partnerships with Neurimmune AG, BenevolentAI, Lunit, and Absci Corporation, focusing on drug discovery and development in areas like systemic lupus erythematosus and oncology. With a workforce of over 94,300 employees, AstraZeneca continues to expand its reach and impact in the biopharmaceutical industry, driven by a commitment to scientific advancement and patient care.
What Products and Services Does AZN Offer?
- Discovers and develops prescription medicines.
- Manufactures pharmaceutical products.
- Commercializes and markets drugs globally.
- Focuses on therapeutic areas including oncology, cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism.
- Offers treatments for respiratory diseases and rare conditions.
- Engages in strategic collaborations for drug discovery and development.
- Serves primary care and specialty care physicians through distributors and local offices.
How Does AZN Make Money?
- Develops and patents innovative prescription medicines.
- Generates revenue through the sale of branded pharmaceutical products.
- Partners with distributors and local representatives for global market access.
- Invests in research and development to expand its product pipeline.
What Industry Does AZN Operate In?
AstraZeneca PLC operates in the highly competitive pharmaceutical industry, characterized by intense research and development, stringent regulatory requirements, and patent protection. The global pharmaceutical market is experiencing growth, driven by an aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and advancements in medical technology. AstraZeneca competes with major players such as Eli Lilly and Company (LLY), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), AbbVie Inc. (ABBV), Novartis AG (NVS), and Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK). The company's success depends on its ability to innovate, secure regulatory approvals, and effectively commercialize its products.
Who Are AZN's Key Customers?
- Primary care physicians
- Specialty care physicians
- Hospitals and clinics
- Patients requiring prescription medications
- Healthcare providers in various therapeutic areas
AZN Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider buying suggests confidence in AstraZeneca's long-term growth potential, indicating that executives believe in the company's future.
- Community sentiment has turned more positive as recent drug trial results have shown promising efficacy, boosting investor optimism.
- Analysts have noted strengthening market demand for AstraZeneca's oncology products, which could enhance revenue streams going forward.
- The company's commitment to innovation and R&D has garnered attention, positioning it favorably in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
Bear Case
- Concerns about potential regulatory hurdles for new drugs have surfaced, leading some investors to question AstraZeneca's pipeline reliability.
- Recent community discussions reflect skepticism regarding the sustainability of earnings growth, especially in light of competitive pressures.
- Market sentiment has been tempered by uncertainties surrounding global supply chain issues, which could impact production timelines.
- AstraZeneca's stock has faced criticism over its valuation compared to peers, leading to bearish sentiment among some traders.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
AZN Latest News
-
Shares of pharmaceutical companies are trading higher as investors rotate out of chips stocks and move into non-tech industries.
Benzinga · Jun 4, 2026
-
Pfizer Strikes Up To $10.5 Billion Deal With China's Innovent Biologics To Develop Next-Gen Cancer Therapies
benzinga · May 29, 2026
-
Sector Update: Healthcare Stocks Higher Late Afternoon
MT Newswires · May 28, 2026
-
Update: Big Pharma Firms Denied Certiorari by Supreme Court in Medicare Pricing Case
Yahoo! Finance: AZN News · May 19, 2026
AZN Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for AZN.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for AZN.
AZN MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates AZN's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Latest News
Shares of pharmaceutical companies are trading higher as investors rotate out of chips stocks and move into non-tech industries.
Pfizer Strikes Up To $10.5 Billion Deal With China's Innovent Biologics To Develop Next-Gen Cancer Therapies
Sector Update: Healthcare Stocks Higher Late Afternoon
Update: Big Pharma Firms Denied Certiorari by Supreme Court in Medicare Pricing Case
Latest AstraZeneca PLC Analysis
Leadership: Pascal Claude Roland Soriot
Chief Executive Officer
Pascal Soriot has served as the Chief Executive Officer of AstraZeneca since October 2012. Prior to joining AstraZeneca, he held various leadership positions at Roche, including Chief Operating Officer of Roche's Pharmaceuticals Division. He also served as CEO of Genentech, a subsidiary of Roche. Soriot holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the National Veterinary School of Alfort, France, and an MBA from HEC Paris.
Track Record: Under Pascal Soriot's leadership, AstraZeneca has undergone a significant transformation, focusing on scientific innovation and strategic acquisitions. He has overseen the development and launch of several blockbuster drugs, including Tagrisso and Imfinzi, driving revenue growth and expanding the company's oncology franchise. Soriot has also led AstraZeneca's efforts in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic through the development and distribution of the Vaxzevria vaccine.
AstraZeneca PLC ADR Information
An American Depositary Receipt (ADR) is a certificate representing shares of a foreign company trading on U.S. stock exchanges. For AstraZeneca PLC (AZN), each ADR represents a specific number of ordinary shares of AstraZeneca traded on its home market. This allows U.S. investors to invest in AstraZeneca without directly dealing with foreign exchanges.
- Home Market Ticker: London Stock Exchange (LSE), Cambridge, GB
AstraZeneca PLC Healthcare Stock: Key Questions Answered
What does AstraZeneca PLC do?
AstraZeneca PLC is a global biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes prescription medicines. Its primary focus is on treating diseases in therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, renal, metabolism, and respiratory conditions. The company's portfolio includes a range of established products and a robust pipeline of novel therapies aimed at addressing unmet medical needs across the globe. AstraZeneca operates through a network of distributors and local representative offices, serving healthcare providers and patients worldwide.
What do analysts say about AZN stock?
Analyst consensus on AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) generally reflects a positive outlook, driven by the company's strong product portfolio, robust pipeline, and strategic initiatives. Key valuation metrics, such as the P/E ratio of 26.74, suggest investor expectations for future earnings growth. Analysts often consider the potential impact of upcoming clinical trial results and regulatory approvals on the stock's performance. Growth considerations include the expansion of existing product indications and the company's ability to capitalize on emerging market opportunities. However, potential risks, such as patent expirations and competition, are also factored into their assessments.
What are the main risks for AZN?
AstraZeneca PLC faces several key risks inherent to the pharmaceutical industry. Patent expirations on major drugs can lead to generic competition and revenue decline. Unfavorable clinical trial results can delay or halt the development of new therapies, impacting the company's pipeline. Regulatory challenges and pricing pressures in key markets can affect profitability. Intense competition from other pharmaceutical companies necessitates continuous innovation. Currency fluctuations can also impact revenue and profitability due to AstraZeneca's global operations. Effective management of these risks is crucial for maintaining long-term growth and shareholder value.
What are the key factors to evaluate for AZN?
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) holds an AI score of 61/100 (moderate). P/E: 27.3x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Not financial advice.
How frequently does AZN data refresh on this page?
AZN prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven AZN's recent stock price performance?
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Strong portfolio of established pharmaceutical products. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider AZN overvalued or undervalued right now?
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) trades at 27.3x earnings. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
What research should beginners do before buying AZN?
Before investing in AstraZeneca PLC (AZN), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) what Wall Street analysts recommend and their price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Information is based on available data as of 2026-05-09.
- Market projections and growth rates are estimates and subject to change.
- Analyst opinions may vary.