AstraZeneca Q4 Earnings: Revenue And EPS Beat On Higher Cancer And Respiratory Drug Sales, Faces $4.5 Million Potential Fine In China

On Thursday, AstraZeneca Plc AZN reported fourth-quarter sales of $14.89 billion, up 18% year over year (+19% at constant currency), beating the consensus of $14.29 billion. 

The company's adjusted EPADS reached $1.04, beating the consensus of $1.03. The adjusted EPS was $2.09 (1 ADR = 2 Common Shares).

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AstraZeneca's top business, oncology, increased 27% (up 29% on constant currency) to $6.34 billion.

• Tagrisso sales were up 20% to $1.70 billion (21% at CER), Calquence sales increased 20% to $808 million, Lynparza sales increased 46% (+47%) to $1.44 billion, Imfinzi revenues were up 16% (+18%) to $1.25 billion, and Enhertu revenue was up 48% (54% at CER) to $540 million.

Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism (CVRM) sales increased 16% (up 17% at CER) to $3.14 billion.

• Farxiga sales were up 21% (22% at CER) to $1.94 billion, and Lokelma sales increased 35% to $150 million.

Respiratory & Immunology (R&I) sales increased 27% (28% CER) to $2.13 billion.

• Breztri sales were up 29% to $257 million, Saphnelo sales increased 65% to $165 million, Tezspire sales were up 86% (85% at CER) to $213 million, Symbicort revenues jumped 31% (33% CER) to $684 million.

Rare Disease drug sales increased by 21% (+22% at CER) to $2.38 billion.

• Ultomiris sales were up 32% (33% at CER) to $1.09 billion, partially offset by a 24% decline in Soliris (22% at CER) to $543 million. Strensiq revenues increased 38% (37% at CER) to $420 million, and Koselugo sales were up >3x to $265 million.

China: In relation to the illegal drug importation allegations, in January 2025, AstraZeneca received a Notice of Transfer to the Prosecutor and an Appraisal Opinion from the Shenzhen City Customs Office regarding suspected unpaid importation taxes amounting to $0.9 million, referred to in the Appraisal Opinion relate to cancer drugs, Imfinzi and Imjudo.

• A fine of one and five times unpaid importation taxes may also be levied if AstraZeneca is found liable (amounting to around $0.9 million to $4.5 million). Reuters notes the update reassures analysts and investors that the business impact would be minor.
• China sales fell 1% on a reported basis to $1.36 billion (-3% at CER).

Guidance: For fiscal year 2025, AstraZeneca forecasts total revenue to increase by a high single-digit percentage and core EPS to increase by a low double-digit percentage.

Price Action: AZN stock is up 4.43% at $74.08 during the premarket session on last check Thursday.

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