Post by : Badri Ariffin

AstraZeneca delivered a stronger-than-expected performance in the third quarter, led by robust demand for its cancer and cardiovascular medicines, but the company refrained from updating its full-year outlook.

On a constant currency basis, third-quarter revenue reached $15.19 billion, a 10% rise year-on-year and ahead of the $14.79 billion analysts had modelled. Core earnings per share climbed to $2.38, beating consensus forecasts of $2.29.

The company pointed to continued momentum from its top-selling therapies and is preparing for upcoming patent expiries — notably for diabetes and heart drug Farxiga — by advancing new launches, including a blood-pressure treatment. U.S. sales, AstraZeneca's biggest market, increased 9% to $6.55 billion, while China contributed $1.76 billion, up 5% despite tighter regulatory scrutiny.

Despite the upbeat quarterly figures, AstraZeneca maintained its full-year guidance of high single-digit revenue growth and a low double-digit rise in core earnings. Management said rising costs and growing generic competition justified a cautious stance after analysts had speculated an upward revision. Core operating expenses rose 9% to $21.6 billion over the first nine months.

The group is also negotiating a new U.S. drug-pricing arrangement and has plans to list on the NYSE to bolster its funding position. Executives indicated any effects from the pricing agreement are expected to be manageable.

The results highlight AstraZeneca's capacity to drive strong sales from its key franchises while underscoring the headwinds of patent cliffs, cost inflation, and complex regulatory dynamics across major markets.

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