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UBS has assigned AstraZeneca a "Buy" rating with a target price of 14,200 pence following the company's quarterly results. Analyst Matthew Weston noted a mixed performance but confirmed the company's outlook in his initial assessment.
A wave of European companies has reported their financial results, with Schneider Electric, BP, and AstraZeneca experiencing declines. In contrast, HSBC has seen an increase in its performance, highlighting a mixed landscape in the market.
The FTSE 100 rose 0.6% to 8,463.46, supported by a 3.0% gain in HSBC after strong first-quarter results and a new USD3 billion share buyback. BP fell 2.6% as profits nearly halved, while Associated British Foods dropped 9.2% after slashing profit guidance for its Sugar business. Economic data showed US consumer confidence at its lowest since the pandemic, raising concerns about future growth.
UBS has assigned Astrazeneca a "Buy" rating with a target price of 14,200 pence following the company's mixed quarterly performance, which included a confirmation of its outlook. Analyst Matthew Weston provided this assessment in his initial reaction.
British stocks opened mostly flat as major companies reported earnings. BP shares fell 3.2% after a profit drop and reduced buybacks, while HSBC's profit declined 25% but announced a $3 billion buyback, leading to a 1.9% share increase. AstraZeneca reported a rise in profit, driven by strong drug sales, and reaffirmed its annual guidance.
Stocks in London are poised to open higher, with the FTSE 100 expected to rise by 16.4 points. UK food inflation accelerated to 2.6% in April, while shop price deflation slowed. In corporate news, HSBC reported a 25% drop in first-quarter profit and announced a significant dividend cut alongside a new share buyback program.
AstraZeneca and HSBC, the FTSE 100's largest firms, report quarterly results today, influencing market sentiment amid rising concerns over US trade policies affecting the pharmaceutical and banking sectors. AstraZeneca's shares have dropped over 20% since last summer, while HSBC's outlook on Asia, particularly China, is under scrutiny. Additionally, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners releases its first results as a FTSE 100 company, following a product recall earlier this year.
The upcoming week will see significant corporate earnings reports from major UK firms like AstraZeneca, HSBC, and Shell, alongside tech giants such as Apple and Microsoft. Key economic data, including US non-farm payrolls and various PMIs, will also be released, influencing market sentiment. Investors are particularly focused on the impact of US tariffs and global economic conditions on these companies' performances.
Chinese biotech firms experienced an 18% increase in overseas deals in Q1 2025, completing 33 transactions worth a total of US$36.2 billion, up from 28 agreements the previous year. Notable deals included a collaboration between GeneQuantum, Biohaven, and AimedBio, as well as a US$4.7 billion partnership between Harbour BioMed and AstraZeneca focused on next-generation antibodies for immunology and oncology.
European pharmaceutical stocks are under scrutiny as US President Trump hints at potential tariffs on the sector. Meanwhile, the banking sector in Europe continues to struggle, with Deutsche Bank and Banco De Sabadell both down over 5% amid fears of economic growth impacts from US tariffs.In the oil industry, BP Chairman Helge Lund is set to resign as the company shifts away from the net zero strategy he supported, facing pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which has acquired a 5% stake in BP.
AstraZeneca PLC
Companies
| Symbol | AZN |
| Name | AstraZeneca PLC |
| Currency | USD |
| Sector | Health Care |
| IndustryGroup | Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences |
| Industry | Pharmaceuticals |
| Market | NASDAQ Global Select |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| State | |
| City | Cambridge |
| Zipcode | CB2 0AA |
| Website | http://www.astrazeneca.com |
The information provided herein is generated by experimental artificial intelligence and is for informational purposes only.
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