AstraZeneca Q3: Company Has ‘Solid Momentum’

AstraZeneca's (LON: AZN) third-quarter report highlighted what analysts at Goldman Sachs are calling “solid momentum” in the pharmaceutical giant's financial and pipeline performance.

Both Goldman Sachs and Barclays have updated their outlooks following AstraZeneca's Q3 results, noting that the company exceeded expectations in both earnings and key pipeline updates, particularly in oncology.

According to Goldman Sachs, AstraZeneca achieved a “beat and raise” quarter, which included an earnings beat and upwardly revised guidance, reinforcing confidence in the company's growth trajectory.

Analysts at the investment bank identified three primary areas of investor concern going into the earnings report: 1) the anticipated approval of the oncology drug Dato-DXd for second-line non-small cell lung cancer (2L NSCLC) by year-end, 2) AstraZeneca's earnings and margin delivery, and 3) risks associated with its China operations.

Goldman Sachs noted that AstraZeneca's recent announcements addressed the first two issues, enhancing investor confidence, although the company provided limited updates on China.

Similarly, Barclays was positive on AstraZeneca's Q3 performance.

With Dato-DXd moving toward possible approval and financials performing strongly, Barclays analysts believe AstraZeneca is poised for a catalyst-rich 2024.

AstraZeneca's continued success in its oncology pipeline and strong financial performance are expected to position it well within a competitive pharmaceutical landscape.

Barclays said it sees AstraZeneca's current share price levels as “very attractive.”

Both Goldman Sachs and Barclays maintain Buy/Overweight ratings on AstraZeneca.