Analyst Views: What did you make of Astrazeneca’s results yesterday?
MICK COOPER | EDISON INVESTMENT RESEARCH
AstraZeneca’s results are dominated by the expected generic erosion, but changes implemented by Pascal Soriot are starting to come through. Notably, [asthma drug] Symbicort has performed well in the US and there are signs that [new heart drug] Brilinta could fulfil its promise.
SAVVAS NEOPHYTOU | PANMURE GORDON
AstraZeneca’s results were in line with forecasts, with fourth-quarter core earnings per share of $1.23, compared to consensus of $1.22. On outlook the company steers towards mid-teens earnings per share decline, which compares to consensus expectation of a 10 per cent decline to $4.49.
JONATHAN JACKSON | KILLIK & CO
Fourth-quarter earnings per share of $1.23 was down 28 per cent – slightly ahead of consensus, aided by a lower tax rate than expected. US revenue was down seven per cent, due to US healthcare reform, the loss of exclusivity on certain products and declining sales of Crestor and Nexium.