AstraZeneca today reported a “very strong performance” for 2024 after total revenues rose 21% to $54.1 billion (£43.3 billion) and earnings lifted 19%. Chief executive Pascal Soriot added that the current year will mark the beginning of an “unprecedented, catalyst-rich period” for the company as it sets about targeting revenues of $80 billion by the end of the decade. In 2025, the company anticipates the first late-stage trial data for seven new medicines along with several important new indication opportunities for existing medicines.
Soriot said: “We are also investing in and making significant progress with transformative technologies that have the potential to drive our growth well beyond 2030, many of which have now entered pivotal trials.". The company issued guidance for 2025 showing that total revenues are expected to increase by a high single-digit percentage and core earnings per share by a low double-digit percentage, both at constant exchange rates.
The FTSE 100 index is set to make a swift return towards record territory after IG Index futures forecast a rise of 58 points at the opening bell. The gain follows yesterday’s advance of 53 points to 8623 as the top flight clawed back earlier losses caused by America’s 25% trade tariffs on Mexico and Canada. The record high is 8692. This morning’s trading has benefited from a stronger session on Wall Street after the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.7% and the S&P 500 by 0.4%.
