Astrazeneca (NYSE:AZN) Downgraded by Zacks Research to Strong Sell

Zacks Research downgraded shares of Astrazeneca (NYSE:AZN) from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report released on Monday morning,Zacks reports.

A number of other research analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Wall Street Zen cut Astrazeneca from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Saturday, August 1st. Bank of America reissued a “buy” rating on shares of Astrazeneca in a report on Wednesday, July 1st. Barclays restated a “buy” rating on shares of Astrazeneca in a research note on Monday, June 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of Astrazeneca in a research report on Tuesday, June 30th. Finally, CICC Research assumed coverage on shares of Astrazeneca in a research report on Sunday, August 23rd. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $198.00 target price on the stock. Fourteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $206.67.

Astrazeneca Trading Down 1.2%

Shares of AZN stock opened at $161.76 on Monday. The stock’s fifty day moving average price is $164.96 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $181.57. The company has a market cap of $250.87 billion, a PE ratio of 24.18, a P/E/G ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 0.25. Astrazeneca has a fifty-two week low of $145.79 and a fifty-two week high of $212.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a current ratio of 0.89.

Astrazeneca (NYSE:AZN) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 27th. The company reported $2.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.50 by $0.13. Astrazeneca had a return on equity of 31.45% and a net margin of 17.02%.The company had revenue of $15.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.44 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.17 EPS. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that Astrazeneca will post 9.34 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Astrazeneca

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. MV Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Astrazeneca in the 4th quarter valued at $26,000. Mascoma Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Astrazeneca during the first quarter worth $26,000. Roxbury Financial LLC bought a new position in Astrazeneca during the second quarter worth $29,000. Reflection Asset Management acquired a new position in Astrazeneca in the fourth quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Lloyd Advisory Services LLC. acquired a new position in Astrazeneca in the fourth quarter valued at $35,000. 20.35% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Key Stories Impacting Astrazeneca

Here are the key news stories impacting Astrazeneca this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Tagrisso delivered a significant long-term survival benefit. Eight-year ADAURA follow-up data showed Tagrisso reduced the risk of death by 47% in the primary population and 48% overall among patients with early-stage EGFR-mutated lung cancer. The results support the drug’s durability and continued contribution to AstraZeneca’s oncology revenue. AstraZeneca’s TAGRISSO Achieves 8-Year Survival Milestone
• Positive Sentiment: Analyst earnings expectations were raised, indicating that at least one analyst sees potential for improved profitability despite the clinical setback. AstraZeneca also previously reported earnings above consensus estimates, with year-over-year revenue growth. FY2026 EPS Estimates for Astrazeneca Increased by Analyst
• Neutral Sentiment: AstraZeneca was selected as a CNBC “Final Trade,” providing some favorable visibility among market commentators, although such recommendations typically have limited fundamental impact. AstraZeneca on CNBC’s Final Trades
• Negative Sentiment: Camizestrant, marketed as Etcamah, failed to meet the primary endpoint in the Phase III SERENA-4 trial for previously untreated ER-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. The numerical improvement was not statistically significant, weakening expectations for one of AstraZeneca’s important future oncology growth drivers. The failure does not affect the drug’s currently approved use. AstraZeneca’s Oncology Engine Faces a Key Test After Camizestrant Miss
• Negative Sentiment: Zacks added AZN to its Rank #5 “Strong Sell” list, reinforcing near-term concerns about the stock’s outlook and likely adding to selling pressure. New Strong Sell Stocks for September 15th

Astrazeneca Company Profile

AstraZeneca plc is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines. Its principal therapeutic areas include oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases, respiratory and immunology conditions, and rare diseases.

The company’s portfolio includes medicines such as Tagrisso, Imfinzi and Lynparza for cancer; Farxiga for cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic conditions; Fasenra for severe asthma; and Symbicort for respiratory disease.