AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN) reconfirmed FY 2026 Total Revenue guidance of mid‑to‑high single‑digit growth and Core EPS guidance of low double‑digit growth at constant exchange rates, as Total Revenue rose 8% year‑on‑year to $15,288m in the first quarter.
Core operating profit increased 12% and core EPS grew 5% year‑on‑year in Q1, with management saying the performance was driven by double‑digit growth in Oncology and Rare Disease and reporting a core tax rate of 21% while maintaining full‑year guidance of 18-22%.
"We are advancing through our catalyst‑rich period, with positive readouts for four high‑value Phase III programmes since our last quarterly results, including first pivotal data for two key NMEs - tozorakimab in COPD and efzimfotase alfa in hypophosphatasia," Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive Officer, said.
Core R&D was 23% of Total Revenue as the group accelerated recruitment and invested in bispecifics, cell therapy and antibody‑drug conjugates, and core SG&A was 25% reflecting investment to support multiple upcoming launches.
The company counted 14 regulatory approvals in major regions since its Q4 2025 results and said that if April-December FX rates remain at March averages FY Total Revenue would gain a low single‑digit percentage benefit with Core EPS growth broadly similar to the CER outlook.
