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Investing.com -- AstraZeneca (LON:AZN) on Thursday reported strong fourth-quarter results, with total revenue rising 24% year-over-year to $14.89 billion, driven by growth across its key therapeutic areas, according to a company statement.
The pharmaceutical giant saw contributions from oncology, cardiovascular, and respiratory treatments, reflecting sustained demand and expansion into new markets.
Oncology remained the company’s leading revenue driver, contributing $6.34 billion, a 27% increase from the same period last year. Sales of Tagrisso, a lung cancer drug, rose 20%, while Enhertu, used in breast cancer treatment, saw a sharp uptick of 64%.
AstraZeneca’s cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism division also performed well, with Farxiga, a treatment for diabetes and heart failure, posting a 35% rise in revenue.
The respiratory and immunology sector recorded a 27% jump in revenue, led by strong demand for Breztri, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therapy.
The company’s vaccines and immune therapies segment saw a 58% revenue spike, supported by robust sales of Beyfortus, an antibody therapy for respiratory syncytial virus. Rare disease medicines generated $2.38 billion, up 21% from a year earlier.
Regionally, AstraZeneca’s U.S. business led growth with a 28% increase in revenue, while sales in Europe surged 37%. Emerging markets saw a more moderate 13% rise, with a slight decline in China attributed to lower respiratory virus cases and hospital stocking patterns.
In addition to revenue growth, AstraZeneca’s core earnings per share climbed 44% to $2.09. Research and development spending rose 52% to $4.68 billion as the company continued to invest in late-stage clinical trials and new drug development. The company also increased its dividend to $3.10 per share for the year.
AstraZeneca projects high single-digit revenue growth and low double-digit core EPS growth for 2025 (at constant exchange rates). The company cites continued investment in R&D and anticipates key approvals and trial results.