Brokerage maintains buy on AstraZeneca shares, sees growth potential By Investing.com

On Friday, TD Cowen affirmed its positive stance on AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:), maintaining a Buy rating and a price target of $86.00 on the pharmaceutical company’s shares. The endorsement follows a review of AstraZeneca’s financial model after the company presented encouraging news at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting and during its Investor Event on May 21st.

The analyst from TD Cowen adjusted the company’s estimates for each year, while noting that the sales and earnings per share (EPS) compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) for 2024-2030 remain approximately 7% and 11%, respectively. These figures are notably higher than the industry averages of 5% for sales and 9% for EPS.

AstraZeneca’s solid growth prospects were highlighted as part of the rationale behind the rating. Even with the positive outlook, TD Cowen’s projections remain conservative compared to AstraZeneca’s own guidance, indicating there might be further room for financial performance to surpass expectations.

The analyst’s commentary reflects a belief in AstraZeneca’s potential for growth, especially given the latest developments and guidance provided by the company. The maintained Buy rating and price target suggest confidence in AstraZeneca’s ability to continue its upward trajectory in the pharmaceutical industry.

In other recent news, AstraZeneca has been receiving significant attention from various analysts. Citi reaffirmed a Buy rating on the pharmaceutical company’s shares due to its consistent presence at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) sessions and confidence in its upcoming trials.

BMO Capital also upheld its Outperform rating, citing the successful results from three Phase 3 trials, which are expected to expand the Total Addressable Markets (TAMs) for AstraZeneca’s drugs Enhertu, Tagrisso, and Imfinzi.

Additionally, Deutsche Bank maintained a ‘Hold’ rating after the ASCO oncology conference, emphasizing the company’s continuous advancements in oncology. Argus increased the price target for AstraZeneca shares due to recent drug approvals and strategic acquisitions, indicating a positive growth trajectory. Goldman Sachs initiated coverage on AstraZeneca, issuing a ‘Buy’ rating based on the company’s robust pipeline and business fundamentals.

Furthermore, JPMorgan maintained an ‘Overweight’ rating on AstraZeneca shares, buoyed by the potential of AZD0780 to generate multi-billion dollar peak sales. These recent developments underscore the growing confidence in AstraZeneca’s future endeavors in the pharmaceutical space.

InvestingPro Insights

TD Cowen’s optimism about AstraZeneca’s growth prospects is echoed by several metrics and analyst insights. AstraZeneca’s market capitalization stands robust at $248.18 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the pharmaceutical sector.

With a gross profit margin of 82.5% over the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, the company demonstrates a strong ability to manage costs and maximize profitability. Moreover, the company’s revenue growth of 8.6% over the same period outpaces the industry average, reinforcing its solid growth narrative.

InvestingPro Tips reveal that AstraZeneca is expected to experience net income growth this year and has seen two analysts revise their earnings upwards for the upcoming period, suggesting a consensus that the company’s financial health may be on an upswing.

AstraZeneca has maintained dividend payments for 32 consecutive years, which may appeal to investors seeking reliable income streams. For those looking to delve deeper into the company’s financials and future prospects, there are over 10 additional InvestingPro Tips available at Investing.com/pro/AZN. Use coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription.

While the P/E ratio is high at 39.15, indicating a premium valuation, the company’s strong performance and growth potential may justify this. The price near the 52-week high and a high price/book multiple of 6.65 also reflect investor confidence in AstraZeneca’s market position and future outlook. These factors combined with AstraZeneca’s status as a prominent player in the pharmaceutical industry, underscore the positive sentiment captured in TD Cowen’s recent analysis.

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