Brokers Offer Predictions for AstraZeneca PLC’s Q4 2024 Earnings (NASDAQ:AZN)

AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) – Investment analysts at Zacks Research decreased their Q4 2024 earnings per share estimates for shares of AstraZeneca in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, August 7th. Zacks Research analyst R. Department now expects that the company will earn $0.99 per share for the quarter, down from their prior estimate of $1.08. The consensus estimate for AstraZeneca’s current full-year earnings is $4.05 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for AstraZeneca’s Q2 2025 earnings at $1.10 EPS, Q1 2026 earnings at $1.16 EPS and Q2 2026 earnings at $1.21 EPS.

AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $0.99 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.98 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $12.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $12.62 billion. AstraZeneca had a return on equity of 29.34% and a net margin of 13.11%. AstraZeneca’s revenue was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.08 EPS.

AZN has been the topic of several other reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised AstraZeneca from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, April 16th. Barclays raised AstraZeneca to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Monday, June 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on AstraZeneca in a report on Thursday, May 30th. They set a “buy” rating and a $97.00 target price on the stock. Argus lifted their target price on AstraZeneca from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, May 30th. Finally, Citigroup raised AstraZeneca to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Monday, June 24th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $88.00.

AstraZeneca Trading Down 0.2 %

AZN traded down $0.16 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $81.19. 3,078,360 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,345,006. The firm has a market capitalization of $251.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.80, a P/E/G ratio of 1.50 and a beta of 0.45. AstraZeneca has a 1-year low of $60.47 and a 1-year high of $82.01. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $79.00 and its 200-day moving average price is $72.76. The company has a quick ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69.

AstraZeneca Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 9th. Investors of record on Friday, August 9th will be given a $0.49 dividend. This represents a yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 9th. AstraZeneca’s payout ratio is 48.04%.

Institutional Trading of AstraZeneca

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in AstraZeneca during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Able Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of AstraZeneca in the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC purchased a new position in shares of AstraZeneca in the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,000. Hobbs Group Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of AstraZeneca in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $35,000. Finally, Pin Oak Investment Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of AstraZeneca by 468.4% in the 4th quarter. Pin Oak Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 449 shares of the company’s stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 370 shares during the last quarter. 20.35% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

AstraZeneca Company Profile

AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacture, and commercialization of prescription medicines. The company's marketed products include Tagrisso, Imfinzi, Lynparza, Calquence, Enhertu, Orpathys, Truqap, Zoladex, Faslodex, Farxiga, Brilinta, Lokelma, Roxadustat, Andexxa, Crestor, Seloken, Onglyza, Bydureon, Fasenra, Breztri, Symbicort, Saphnelo, Tezspire, Pulmicort, Bevespi, and Daliresp for cardiovascular, renal, metabolism, and oncology.