Highlights

  • Rothschild & Co Redburn’s Buy rating with a GBX 18,100 target reinforces confidence, while consensus also remains at Buy as the stock trades near its average target.
  • AstraZeneca shares are up nearly 30% year-on-year and over 3% YTD.
  • Double-digit growth in revenue, profit and EPS, alongside reaffirmed FY2025 guidance, keeps AstraZeneca firmly in focus on the Street.

AstraZeneca plc (LSE:AZN) remains firmly in the spotlight after receiving a fresh endorsement from Rothschild & Co Redburn, even as its share price edges closer to broader market expectations. The stock closed at GBX 14,020.00 on 16 January, marginally lower on the day, but continues to reflect a strong longer-term trajectory, having risen nearly 30% over the past year and more than 3% on a year-to-date basis.

Buy Rating Reinforces Positive Street Sentiment

Rothschild & Co Redburn has issued a “Buy” rating on AstraZeneca, assigning a target price of GBX 18,100. This target implies meaningful upside from current levels and places the brokerage among the more optimistic voices tracking the stock.

At the broader level, consensus data compiled by EODHD/Others also reflects a positive stance. The average analyst recommendation stands at “Buy,” with a mean target price of 14,582 GBX. The narrowing gap between the market price and the consensus target indicates a phase where expectations may be stabilising rather than accelerating.

Global Pharma Profile Supports Analyst Attention

Headquartered in Cambridge, the UK-based biopharmaceutical major operates across more than 100 countries and maintains a diversified presence spanning Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals. Its broad geographic reach and multi-therapy focus continue to make it a closely watched name among institutional investors and equity researchers alike.

Key Financial Highlights

AstraZeneca delivered encouraging results for the first nine months of 2025, with total revenue climbing 11% to USD 43,236 million at constant exchange rates (CER). This growth stemmed from balanced expansion across all therapy areas, highlighted by 16% in Oncology and 13% in Research & Innovation (R&I). Every major geographic region contributed positively, underscoring the company's global resilience amid varying market conditions.

Core operating profit rose 13%, reflecting improved margins and operational efficiency, while core EPS advanced 15% to USD 7.04. The period also marked scientific momentum, with 16 positive Phase III readouts and 31 regulatory approvals in key regions, bolstering AstraZeneca's pipeline and future growth prospects.

Reaffirmed FY 2025 Guidance

AstraZeneca has reiterated its full-year 2025 guidance at CER, anchored to average FX rates through 2024. Total revenue is projected to grow by a high single-digit percentage, building on the 9M momentum. Core EPS is expected to increase by a low double-digit percentage, supported by ongoing productivity and innovation.

The core tax rate is anticipated at 18-22%, providing a stable outlook.