By Helena Smolak

AstraZeneca is scheduled to report results for the fourth quarter on Thursday. Here is what you need to know.

SALES FORECAST: The British pharmaceutical giant's total sales are expected to be $14.2 billion for the three months ended Dec. 31, up from $12.02 billion in the same quarter a year prior, according to a company-compiled consensus based on 19 analysts' estimates.

CORE EARNINGS PER SHARE: Core earnings per share are expected to rise to $2.07 from $1.45 the year prior, according to the same consensus.

AstraZeneca's stock is up 7.9% since the start of 2024.

WHAT TO WATCH

--PIPELINE & OUTLOOK: Market watchers will closely monitor AstraZeneca's confidence in the potential of its experimental drug for advanced lung cancer datopotamab deruxtecan, Jefferies analysts said. Industry watchers also eye AstraZeneca's development strategy and differentiation of its obesity portfolio, Jefferies said. The company's 2025 outlook will be crucial as this year sees more than 10 key late-stage trials, UBS analysts said.

--CHINA: Investors' focus will lie on the impact of the continuing anti-corruption investigation into some of AstraZeneca's employees in China on its sales in the country, according to Jefferies. The company is under regulatory scrutiny in China as part of an anticorruption crackdown by authorities after its top executive in the region was detained and while other employees are subject to an investigation about illegal importation of cancer drugs and patient data collection.

Write to Helena Smolak at helena.smolak@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 04, 2025 11:19 ET (16:19 GMT)

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