AstraZeneca Stock Outperforms Market on Strong Q2 Earnings

AstraZeneca shares climbed nearly 3% Tuesday, defying a 0.3% market decline after reporting better-than-expected second-quarter results. The pharmaceutical giant posted $14.5 billion in revenue, a 12% year-over-year increase that surpassed analyst estimates of $14.1 billion.

Adjusted net income jumped 10% to $3.4 billion, with earnings per share reaching $2.17—double Wall Street's $1.09 projection. Growth was driven by robust oncology and biopharmaceutical sales, alongside 12 successful Phase 3 trial readouts.

The company maintained its 2025 guidance, forecasting high single-digit revenue growth at constant exchange rates. This performance underscores AstraZeneca's pipeline strength in a volatile market where healthcare stocks increasingly serve as defensive plays.