AstraZeneca's Drug Pipeline Divides City Analysts
City analysts are divided on AstraZeneca’s drug pipeline following mixed reactions to its recent updates. Citibank upgraded the stock with a higher price target of £17,800 per share and noted solid second-quarter performance, including an increase in earnings forecasts by 1%-3%. The bank emphasized that key Phase III trial results expected in 2027 could help offset setbacks like the Wainua trial failure. In contrast, Deutsche Bank maintained a 'sell' rating with a £11,500 valuation and described recent updates as broadly neutral. AstraZeneca reported better-than-expected second-quarter earnings driven by growth in oncology and rare diseases. Revenue rose 9% to $30.7 billion for the first half of 2026, with core EPS increasing 12%. The company also raised its interim dividend and reiterated revenue guidance for the full year. CEO Pascal Soriot acknowledged recent trial failures but expressed confidence in achieving a total revenue ambition of over $80 billion.
Tickers: $AZN
Topics: analyst ratings AstraZeneca clinical trials drug pipeline stock performance