AstraZeneca PLC, also known as AZN, is a multinational pharmaceutical company that specializes in the research, development, and commercialization of innovative prescription drugs.With a history dating back to 1999, AstraZeneca has established itself as a significant player in the healthcare industry.
In recent news, AstraZeneca PLC's stock price has been fluctuating within a certain range. As of the last recorded data, the stock price stood at $74.56, with a slight increase of 1.02%. The trading volume reached 3,251,426 shares, indicating moderate market activity. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock has been trading between $62.75 and $87.68, suggesting a relatively stable performance.
Market analysts have been closely monitoring AstraZeneca PLC to gather insights into its financial performance. The company recently announced its quarterly earnings results, reporting an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.05. This figure surpassed analysts' expectations and reflects a positive sign of growth for AstraZeneca. The company's market capitalization currently stands at $228.49 billion, and it has 3.1 billion shares outstanding. The public float and beta of the stock are both 3.1 billion and 0.54, respectively.
Looking at AstraZeneca PLC's performance on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), the closing price on Thursday was £11,590.00. This represents a decrease of 13.43% from the 52-week high of £13,388.00, which was achieved on September 3, 2024. Despite this decline, the stock remains a significant player in the LSE market.
On the NASDAQ exchange, AstraZeneca PLC's American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) are listed under the ticker symbol AZN. The current stock price of the ADR is $74.56. The ADR program has a ratio of 1:2, meaning each ordinary share is represented by 2 ADRs. This allows international investors to gain exposure to AstraZeneca's stock without having to directly invest in the UK market.
In terms of analyst ratings, AstraZeneca PLC has received a "Strong Buy" recommendation, indicating positive sentiment towards its future prospects. The average price target for the stock is $89.75, suggesting a potential upside of 20.53%.
AstraZeneca PLC has also been actively involved in financial initiatives. In a recent news release, the company stated its intention to increase the annual dividend per share to $3.20. This move demonstrates AstraZeneca's commitment to rewarding its shareholders and highlights its positive financial position.
Overall, AstraZeneca PLC's current affairs present a mixed picture. While the stock price has experienced some fluctuations, the company's financial performance and analyst recommendations remain positive. With ongoing developments in the pharmaceutical industry, it will be interesting to see how AstraZeneca navigates the market and continues to innovate in the coming months and years.