AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) Stock

AstraZeneca PLC trades at a P/E ratio of 28.05, which is above the market average of approximately 20. This premium valuation suggests investors expect above-average growth or the company has competitive advantages justifying the higher multiple. Looking ahead, the forward P/E of 15.50 is lower than the current P/E, indicating analysts expect earnings to grow over the next year. The PEG ratio of 0.93 suggests the stock may be undervalued relative to its growth rate.

With a beta of 0.17, AstraZeneca PLC is less volatile than the overall market. This means when the market moves up or down by 10%, this stock typically moves less than 10% in the same direction. Lower beta stocks are often preferred by conservative investors seeking stability. The price-to-book ratio of 5.28 shows investors value the company above its book value, which often reflects intangible assets or growth prospects.

AstraZeneca PLC achieves a profit margin of 14.10%, meaning it retains $14.10 from every $100 in revenue after all expenses. This represents a solid margin typical of well-run businesses, showing the company can effectively balance revenue generation with cost control. The operating margin of 27.90% reveals how efficiently the company runs its core business operations before interest and taxes. With ROE at 19.80% and ROA at 8.16%, the company generates strong returns on invested capital.

AstraZeneca PLC's revenue grew by 7.20% year-over-year, showing steady progress in growing the business. This positive trajectory indicates the company maintains competitive positioning in its markets. Earnings increased by 33.60% year-over-year, outpacing revenue growth through improved margins. These growth metrics should be evaluated against PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS industry averages for proper context.

AstraZeneca PLC offers a dividend yield of 2.22%, paying $3.10 per share annually. This above-average yield of 2-4% provides meaningful income while still allowing the company to reinvest for growth. It compares favorably to the S&P 500 average and offers competitive returns versus bonds in the current rate environment. To receive the next dividend, shares must be purchased before the ex-dividend date of 2/21/2025.

The dividend sustainability can be assessed through the payout ratio - AstraZeneca PLC pays $3.10 per share in dividends against earnings of $2.49 per share, resulting in a payout ratio of 100.00%. This very high payout exceeding 90% raises sustainability concerns, as nearly all earnings go to dividends. Any earnings decline could force a dividend cut. The next dividend payment is scheduled for 3/24/2025.

AstraZeneca PLC has a market capitalization of $216.57B, classifying it as a mega-cap stock (over $200B). These are the largest, most established companies globally, typically offering stability and liquidity but with more modest growth potential. Mega-caps often pay dividends and weather economic downturns better than smaller companies. With 3.10B shares outstanding, the company's ownership is widely distributed. As a major player in the PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS industry, it competes with other firms in this sector.

AstraZeneca PLC's book value per share is $26.48, while the current stock price is $68.79, resulting in a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 2.60. This reasonable premium to book value suggests the market values the company's earnings power and intangible assets appropriately. Most profitable companies trade between 1-3x book value. As a common stock, this represents equity ownership with voting rights.

12 analysts cover AZN with 83% recommending buy/strong buy ratings. Analyst predictions have mixed reliability - studies show consensus rarely beats market returns consistently. The strong bullish consensus may already be priced in. The consensus target of $84.18 implies 22.4% upside, but targets are often adjusted to follow price moves rather than predict them.

Current analyst recommendations:4 Strong Buy, 6 Buy, 2 Hold, 00The bullish tilt suggests optimism about future prospects, though investors should conduct independent research.Remember that analyst opinions often lag price movements and can be influenced by investment banking relationships.

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