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AstraZeneca PLC on Wednesday reported better-than-expected first-quarter revenue and profit, and flagged the potential for its drugs pipeline amid numerous positive trial findings and regulatory approvals. The Cambridge-based pharmaceuticals company said pretax profit increased 15% to $3.91 billion in the three months to March 31 from $3.40 billion the year prior, while diluted earnings per share improved 5.3% to $1.97 from $1.87. Core operating profit rose 11% to $5.35 billion from $4.80 billion, or by 12% at constant exchange rates, ahead of Visible Alpha consensus of $5.20 billion. Core EPS rose 3.6% to $2.58 from $2.49 on-year, or by 5% at CER, in line with consensus. Revenue rose 13% to $15.29 billion from $13.59 billion a year ago, or by 8% at CER, ahead of VA consensus $14.81 billion. Cost of sales rose 20% to $2.68 billion from $2.24 billion, with research & developments expenses up 11% at $3.49 billion from $3.16 billion. The FTSE 100 listing said growth was supported by double-digit gains in Oncology and Rare Disease, and progress in its late-stage pipeline with multiple positive trial readouts and regulatory approvals. AstraZeneca highlighted 14 approvals alone in major regions since fourth quarter results. Chief Executive Pascal Soriot said AstraZeneca delivered ‘strong growth’ and is ‘advancing through our catalystrich period, with positive readouts for four high-value Phase III programmes since our last quarterly results.’ AstraZeneca plans a total dividend of $3.30 per share for 2026, up from $3.20 a year before, and said it remains on track to meet its 2030 targets. The group continues to expect revenue to grow by a mid-to-high single-digit percentage in 2026, with core earnings per share seen rising by a low double-digit percentage. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $58.74 billion and core EPS of $9.16. By division, Oncology product revenue rose 16%, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism sales fell 7%, Respiratory & Immunology grew 7%, Infectious Disease fell 22%, and Rare Disease climbed 15%, all at CER. Shares in AstraZeneca eased 1.0% to 13,756.00 pence each in London on Wednesday morning. Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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