WS Investor
29 Apr 2026, 16:48
AstraZeneca Beats Estimates in Q1 2026 as Oncology Surge Powers Revenue Above $15 Billion
April 29, 2026 | NYSE: AZN
AstraZeneca delivered a strong first quarter on Wednesday, posting total revenue of $15.29 billion — up 13% year-on-year and ahead of the $14.94 billion consensus — while core EPS of $2.58 beat analyst expectations of $2.51–$2.53, per Benzinga and CNBC. Despite the double beat, shares slipped, reflecting broader investor caution around US drug pricing policy rather than any fundamental concern with the results.
Oncology drove the performance, rising 20% year-on-year to $6.79 billion — 45% of total product revenue — with Imfinzi (+34%), Enhertu (+40%), Calquence (+21%), and Tagrisso (+9%) all posting strong gains, per Benzinga. Rare Disease also delivered double-digit growth, while cardiovascular and renal revenues declined 7% at constant currency due to foreign exchange headwinds, per the official company release.
On the pipeline, AstraZeneca reported positive Phase III readouts for four high-value programmes since its Q4 2025 results, including first pivotal data for two new molecular entities — tozorakimab in COPD and efzimfotase alfa in hypophosphatasia. Citi called AstraZeneca "the fastest growth and best pipeline in the sector," with 11 further late-stage readouts still expected in 2026, per CNBC.
For the full year, the company reconfirmed guidance of mid-to-high single-digit revenue growth and low double-digit core EPS growth at constant exchange rates, per the official results.
April 29, 2026 | NYSE: AZN
AstraZeneca delivered a strong first quarter on Wednesday, posting total revenue of $15.29 billion — up 13% year-on-year and ahead of the $14.94 billion consensus — while core EPS of $2.58 beat analyst expectations of $2.51–$2.53, per Benzinga and CNBC. Despite the double beat, shares slipped, reflecting broader investor caution around US drug pricing policy rather than any fundamental concern with the results.
Oncology drove the performance, rising 20% year-on-year to $6.79 billion — 45% of total product revenue — with Imfinzi (+34%), Enhertu (+40%), Calquence (+21%), and Tagrisso (+9%) all posting strong gains, per Benzinga. Rare Disease also delivered double-digit growth, while cardiovascular and renal revenues declined 7% at constant currency due to foreign exchange headwinds, per the official company release.
On the pipeline, AstraZeneca reported positive Phase III readouts for four high-value programmes since its Q4 2025 results, including first pivotal data for two new molecular entities — tozorakimab in COPD and efzimfotase alfa in hypophosphatasia. Citi called AstraZeneca "the fastest growth and best pipeline in the sector," with 11 further late-stage readouts still expected in 2026, per CNBC.
For the full year, the company reconfirmed guidance of mid-to-high single-digit revenue growth and low double-digit core EPS growth at constant exchange rates, per the official results.