Astrazeneca posts strong YTD beat, reiterates FY26 guidance
By Iain Gilbert
Date: Friday 30 Oct 2026
(Sharecast News) - Drugmaker Astrazeneca posted another solid earnings beat on Thursday, with year-to-date revenue and profits both rising and core earnings per share up 14%, alongside a further step‑up in late‑stage pipeline momentum.
Total revenues for the nine months ended 30 September increased 7% to $46.88bn, driven by $43.96bn of product sales and a 33% jump in alliance revenues, while reported EPS climbed 10% to $5.62, operating profits advanced 10% to $11.80bn and underlying earnings grew 11% to $16.70bn. Q3 revenues rose 7% to $16.21bn, with core EPS up 17% at $2.79.
Astrazeneca said growth across oncology, respiratory and rare disease franchises continued to offset headwinds from Farxiga and Brilinta losing exclusivity and volume‑based procurement in China.
R&D spend increased 10%, reflecting late‑stage trial progression, platform investment and $483m of intangible asset impairments. Selling, general, and administrative costs rose 9% due to ongoing launches, while other operating income more than doubled on higher royalty receipts and disposals of mature assets.
The FTSE 100-listed firm stated net cash inflow from operations fell $1.34bn, mainly due to working capital movements linked to Farxiga's US loss of exclusivity, higher tax payments and FX effects. Investing outflows increased $1.23bn following a $1.10bn upfront payment to CSPC Pharmaceuticals, while financing outflows decreased $2.20bn after new long‑term loan issuance. Net debt rose $2.46bn to $25.83bn.
Astrazeneca also reiterated 2026 guidance for mid‑to‑high single digit revenue growth and low double‑digit core‑EPS growth.
As of 0900 GMT, Astrazeneca shares were up 3.02% at 13,446p.
Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
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