Stockchase Opinions

The Panic-Proof Portfolio (Stockchase Research) Astrazeneca P L C AZN-N PAST TOP PICK Mar 13, 2025

(A Top Pick Feb 06/25, Up 9.6%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O’Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with AZN is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $64) to $71 at this time.

$76.510

Stock price when the opinion was issued

biotechnology pharmaceutical
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COMMENT

The recently bought Ocosavax (a vaccine-maker) and Gracell (an early-stage Chinese biotech working on cancer treatments).

TOP PICK

Highest growth rate in Pharma sector given current share price. Very attractive entry point (15x earnings). Leader in oncology channels. Chemotherapy products very strong and is a leader in R&D. Good long term hold. 

TOP PICK

They focus on cancer drugs and making massive inroads. AZN just bought Alexion, which seeks drugs for rare diseases, so the target markets are there. AZN sells at 15x PE with earnings to grow 5-10%. Dividend pays 3.5%. 

(Analysts’ price target is $83.88)
TOP PICK

Less popular name within the healthcare sector. Very strong R & D pipeline - new products are expected soon. Trading at ~14x earnings which is very under valued. Excellent time to purchase shares for the long term shareholder. 

BUY

Is overlooked in pharma. It boasts an amazing oncology business, including recent positive trial data on phase 2 and 3 lung cancer drugs, which could be breakthroughs. Shares have doubled in the last 5 years and has been climbing since 2016. Last April they delivered a blowout quarter with an earnings beat and a bullish forecast including a 8.5% compound annual growth rate based on doubling multi-billion drugs to 25 by 2030. Also, they are developing obesity drugs.

TOP PICK

Very strong R&D pipeline, with new products expected. Off recent share price highs, which is a good time to buy. Margins very strong on new products. Expecting earnings to rise in the immediate future. Low double digit EPS @ 16x earnings a very strong value proposition. Will continue to hold for the long term. 

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This is a Panic-proof Portfolio opinion which is available only for Premium members

Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

The big pharma is developing a GLP-1 weight loss treatment that avoids injections -- a big game changer - and trials are looking good.  The stock trades at 32x earnings and supports a 16% ROE.  We recommend setting a stop-loss at $52, looking to achieve $88 -- upside potential of 30%.  Yield 2.2%

(Analysts’ price target is $88.01)
premium

This is a Panic-proof Portfolio opinion which is available only for Premium members

Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

We reiterate AZN as a TOP PICK.  Recently reported earnings indicated a 19% increase in earnings and revenues.  Management announced positive development on 9 new drugs worth $5 billion in future revenues and a plan to invest over $800 million in Ontario creating 700 jobs.  The shares trade at 18x earnings and support a 30% ROE.  We recommend trailing up the stop (from $52) to $64, looking to achieve $88 -- upside potential of 21%.  Yield 1.4%

(Analysts’ price target is $88.24)
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Feb 16/24, Up 23%)

They rallied last summer, then faced headwinds last fall when a cancer drug failed to perform in trials and there was an investigation in their large Chinese business. Both problems are clearing now. They have a drug pipeline that should become a great growth story. Trades at 15x PE.