AstraZeneca

AZN

Market cap $317B

Here is how Astrazeneca (AZN) and ArriVent BioPharma, Inc. (AVBP) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.

Once the go-to location for global drugmakers, Europe is losing market share to aggressive U.S. trade policies and China's growth as a biotech hub. Europe's share of global R&D has been cut in half over the past 35 years, with more companies prioritizing investments in the U.S. and China.

UBS and Citi both maintain 'buy' ratings on the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker ahead of its first-quarter results, with a rich pipeline of clinical catalysts adding to the investment case. AstraZeneca PLC (LSE:AZN, NASDAQ:AZN) reports first-quarter 2026 results on 29 April, with UBS flagging several moving parts that investors will watch closely when the numbers land.

Though both dominate oncology, a stronger growth outlook and clearer targets may give AstraZeneca an edge over Merck.

A positive phase three trial result in a hard-to-treat cancer adds fresh momentum to one of AstraZeneca's most important growth drivers. Liver cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to treat, and for patients whose tumours cannot be surgically removed, options have historically been limited.

AstraZeneca remains a long-term buy, driven by a diversified portfolio, robust R&D, and strong FCF, despite a current valuation that is slightly stretched. AZN's 2025 results showed 8% revenue and 11% EPS growth, with oncology (44% of revenue) and rare diseases as key growth engines. Patent expirations for Farxiga and price pressures in China pose near-term headwinds, but pipeline innovation and emerging market growth underpin future prospects.

U.S. President Donald Trump's 100% tariffs on the pharmaceutical industry threaten global production, supply chains and ​ultimately will harm patients, Switzerland's pharmaceutical association interpharma said ‌on Friday.

Astrazeneca (AZN) concluded the recent trading session at $203.49, signifying a +1.37% move from its prior day's close.

Drugmakers or countries that strike pricing deals or make manufacturing investment commitments in the U.S. can secure much lower levies, or none at all.

New tax will hit branded drugs and active ingredients while exempting generics for at least one year