It's no secret that Big Pharma companies live and die with their pipeline and their ability to drive sales from patent-protected branded drugs. Unfortunately, these two major drivers are both working against UK-based AstraZeneca (AZN). Although current results weren't bad and the company's valuation looks compelling by some metrics, management has a lot of work ahead of it in refilling its pipeline and maintaining its earnings base.
An All-Around Decent Q4, For What It Matters
AstraZeneca actually reported a respectable fourth quarter. Revenue was up slightly, beating the averaged expectation of a modest decline. Revenue in the U.S. was up 5%, offsetting a 15% decline in Western Europe tied in part to generic competition for Nexium. While total Nexium sales did decline 13% this quarter, other major products like Seroquel, Crestor, and Symbicort delivered double-digit sales growth, with Seroquel especially strong relative to expectations.
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AstraZeneca - Solid Earnings Overwhelmed By An Uncertain Future
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