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        <title>AstraZeneca Plc (LSE:AZN) Share Price, History, &amp; News | The Twelfth Magpie</title>
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        <description>Share Tips, Investing and Stock Market News</description>
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	<title>AstraZeneca Plc (LSE:AZN) Share Price, History, &amp; News | The Twelfth Magpie</title>
	<link>https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-azn/</link>
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                                <title>3 FTSE Shares experts think will lead the next bull market charge</title>
                <link>https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/05/16/3-ftse-shares-experts-think-will-lead-the-next-bull-market-charge/</link>
                                <pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 06:51:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Zaven Boyrazian, CFA]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing For Beginners]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/?p=1689717</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Some 63% of all analyst ratings on FTSE shares are currently set to Buy. Here are three stocks the experts believe could lead the charge higher.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/05/16/3-ftse-shares-experts-think-will-lead-the-next-bull-market-charge/">3 FTSE Shares experts think will lead the next bull market charge</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Not all FTSE shares are created equal. Some will drift sideways for years. Others could quietly compound into something extraordinary.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to research by <strong>AJ Bell</strong>, 63% of all active analyst ratings on UK stocks are currently set to Buy – the most bullish institutional sentiment seen in over a decade. So, even with markets near record highs, the experts clearly see plenty of opportunity ahead.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here are three of their highest-conviction picks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-relx-the-data-giant">1. RELX: the data giant</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>RELX</strong>&nbsp;(<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-rel/">LSE:REL</a>) is a global information analytics company providing data, tools, and decision support across legal, scientific, medical, and financial sectors.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The long-term bull case is built on RELX&#8217;s extraordinary pricing power. Its customers are usually law firms, hospitals, and research institutions that are deeply embedded in RELX&#8217;s platforms and have very few credible alternatives. That kind of moat is exceptionally hard to replicate.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The bear case? Some worry that the rapid rise of AI could gradually erode this moat by directly attacking the value proposition of the group&#8217;s proprietary datasets. After all, cheaper third-party tools can do a similar job, so why would customers pay a premium?</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Luckily, so far, that narrative hasn’t proven to be true, but it’s nonetheless <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/investment-glossary/understanding-your-risk-tolerance/">still a risk</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="RELX Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:REL" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>
</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-astrazeneca-the-global-pharma-titan-powering-ahead">2. AstraZeneca: the global pharma titan powering ahead</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>AstraZeneca</strong>&nbsp;(<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-azn/">LSE:AZN</a>) is one of the world&#8217;s leading pharmaceutical companies, with a blockbuster pipeline spanning oncology, cardiovascular disease, and rare conditions.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Analysts at <strong>Citigroup</strong>, <strong>Barclays</strong>, and <strong>JP Morgan</strong> are all firmly in the Buy camp, with 81% of covering analysts recommending the stock. Why? Because the company might have one of the most impressive drug pipelines in the industry, with multiple late-stage trials that could unlock significant <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/understanding-company-accounts/the-profit-and-loss-account/">new revenue streams</a> over the coming decade.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Of course, that doesn&#8217;t mean success is guaranteed. Drug development is exceptionally expensive and uncertain. And pipeline failures or pricing pressure from government healthcare systems could disappoint investors who&#8217;ve priced in significant success.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Astrazeneca plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:AZN" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>
</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-beazley-the-specialist-insurer-flying-under-the-radar">3. Beazley: the specialist insurer flying under the radar</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Beazley</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-bez/">LSE:BEZ</a>) is one of Lloyd&#8217;s of London&#8217;s leading specialist insurers, covering complex risks including cyber threats, marine, property, and professional indemnity across global markets.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Today, the company is riding two powerful tailwinds.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">First, cyber insurance is one of the fastest-growing segments in the entire insurance industry. And Beazley is already recognised as a market leader with deep underwriting expertise that competitors struggle to replicate quickly.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The second tailwind is the higher-for-longer interest rate environment. Thanks to increased income from bonds and other short-duration fixed-income instruments. Beazley&#8217;s significant investment portfolio is already generating materially better returns than in previous years. And combined these factors are boosting profitability from two directions at once.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">But like all investments, there are risks to consider, most notably the inherently unpredictable nature of the specialist insurance business.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A major catastrophe or an unexpected surge in cyber claims could result in significant and sudden losses that pressure both the balance sheet and the share price.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bottom-line">The bottom line</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">These are three very different businesses. But they all share a common thread: institutional analysts back all three with rare conviction.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For investors wondering which FTSE shares to buy and hold through whatever the next decade brings, this trio looks like a compelling place to start investigating further. But they&#8217;re not the only opportunities I&#8217;ve got my eye on right now…</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/05/16/3-ftse-shares-experts-think-will-lead-the-next-bull-market-charge/">3 FTSE Shares experts think will lead the next bull market charge</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
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                                <title>13% annual earnings growth forecast and 44% under ‘fair value! 1 FTSE 100 gem to buy today?</title>
                <link>https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/05/06/13-annual-earnings-growth-forecast-and-44-under-fair-value-1-ftse-100-gem-to-buy-today/</link>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 08:30:18 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Simon Watkins]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Growth Shares]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/?p=1687667</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>This FTSE 100 heavyweight keeps posting impressive growth, but its valuation hasn’t caught up yet -- is this now an unmissable bargain for savvy investors? </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/05/06/13-annual-earnings-growth-forecast-and-44-under-fair-value-1-ftse-100-gem-to-buy-today/">13% annual earnings growth forecast and 44% under ‘fair value! 1 FTSE 100 gem to buy today?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
]]></description>
                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>FTSE 100 </strong>pharma giant<strong> AstraZeneca (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-azn/"></strong>LSE: AZN</a>) recently delivered yet another set of outstanding results.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Double‑digit revenue growth in key divisions, a stream of positive new drug trials, and a burgeoning pipeline all reinforce the company’s long‑term earnings power. Yet the market still seems reluctant to price in the strength of its underlying business.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">So where ‘should’ the shares be trading and what are the catalysts that could power such a move?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-stock-s-fair-value"><strong>What’s the stock’s ‘fair value’?</strong></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Price and value are different concepts for shares. Price reflects whatever buyers and sellers are willing to agree on at a given moment. But value is determined by the underlying strength and prospects of the business itself.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For long-term investors, that distinction matters because over time market prices tend to move toward a company’s fair value. This is why understanding the gap between the two metrics can be so powerful for building returns.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/discounted-cash-flow-dcf/">Discounted cash flow</a> analysis is one of the most rigorous ways to estimate fair value. It projects future cash flows and discounts them back to the present. The greater the uncertainty in those forecasts, the larger the discount applied.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Analysts’ DCF models differ depending on their core assumptions. Using mine — including a 7.2% discount rate — AstraZeneca shares are 44% undervalued at their present £133.95 price.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That suggests a fair value of £239.20 &#8212; far above where the shares trade today.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Therefore, if market prices continue to converge toward fair value over time, this could represent a compelling opportunity, if those DCF assumptions prove correct.</p>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Astrazeneca plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:AZN" data-range="5y" data-start-date="2021-05-06" data-end-date="2026-05-06" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-could-force-the-gap-to-close"><strong>What could force the gap to close?</strong></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sustained earnings growth drives price gains for any stock over the long run. A risk for AstraZeneca is any slowdown in the ramp‑up of launches in its key Oncology and Rare Disease divisions.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another is any regulatory or clinical setbacks across its late‑stage product-testing pipeline. These could delay commercialisation timelines and reduce the visibility of future cash flows.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Nevertheless, analysts forecast its earnings will increase by a strong average of 13.1% a year over the medium term at least.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Its Q1 2026 results saw <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/understanding-company-accounts/the-profit-and-loss-account/">core operating profit</a> up 12% year on year to $4.25bn (£3.15bn). The number reflected strong demand across Oncology and Rare Disease and continued operating leverage despite higher R&amp;D investment.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Total revenue grew 13% to $15.29bn, highlighting continued uptake of newer medicines and solid contributions from established brands despite ongoing generic pressures.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Consequently, management reaffirmed its full-year 2026 outlook, expecting low double-digit core earnings per share growth.&nbsp;It also reiterated its 2030 target of hitting $80bn in annual revenue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-my-investment-view"><strong>My investment view</strong></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">AstraZeneca’s strong and consistent earnings growth should catalyse the closure of the current price‑to‑value gap over time. As newer medicines scale and later‑stage assets reach the market, the company’s cash‑generation profile should become increasingly visible to investors.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Management’s reaffirmed 2026 outlook and its confidence in hitting the 2030 $80bn revenue ambition also provide a clear long‑term roadmap. If those targets continue to be met, the market may re‑rate the shares towards what I think is their fair value.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For investors seeking dependable growth backed by robust fundamentals, that potential convergence makes the stock worthy of serious attention. And it is certainly compelling enough for me to be looking to add to my holding in the firm very shortly.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/05/06/13-annual-earnings-growth-forecast-and-44-under-fair-value-1-ftse-100-gem-to-buy-today/">13% annual earnings growth forecast and 44% under ‘fair value! 1 FTSE 100 gem to buy today?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
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                                <title>With £9,633.30 to invest, are these the best UK stocks to buy now?</title>
                <link>https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/05/03/with-9633-30-to-invest-are-these-the-best-uk-stocks-to-buy-now/</link>
                                <pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 06:21:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Zaven Boyrazian, CFA]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing For Beginners]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/?p=1683167</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>With all the market uncertainty, companies in defensive industries could be among the best stocks to buy today. And here are two that I’ve got my eye on.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/05/03/with-9633-30-to-invest-are-these-the-best-uk-stocks-to-buy-now/">With £9,633.30 to invest, are these the best UK stocks to buy now?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
]]></description>
                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">By consistently investing in the best stocks to buy, investors will almost always outperform a savings account over the long run. Yet according to the latest data from Raisin UK, the average British adult still has £9,633.30 sitting in the bank, quietly being eroded by inflation year after year.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Using a Cash ISA to build up an emergency fund isn&#8217;t a bad strategy. But trying to build real wealth this way creates a meaningful and unnecessary opportunity cost. Even the very best ISAs offering up to 5% interest today still fall short of the stock market&#8217;s 8% long-term average.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">So, with that in mind, which UK stocks are the experts buying right now?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astrazeneca-the-uk-s-crown-jewel">AstraZeneca – the UK&#8217;s crown jewel</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Few companies on the <strong>London Stock Exchange</strong> attract as much institutional conviction as <strong>AstraZeneca</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-azn/">LSE:AZN</a>).</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Astrazeneca plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:AZN" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>
</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The pharmaceutical giant has transformed itself into a global oncology powerhouse, with blockbuster medicines like <em>Enhertu</em>, <em>Tagrisso</em>, and <em>Calquence</em> driving revenues toward an ambitious $80bn target by 2030.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Even in 2025, the <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/understanding-company-accounts/the-profit-and-loss-account/">top line expanded</a> by another 9% to a record $58.7bn. And with 20 Phase 3 trials currently under way, the pipeline powering AstraZeneca&#8217;s future growth remains pretty impressive.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">But risks are real. President Trump&#8217;s Most Favoured Nation drug pricing push, which aims to tie US prices to cheaper international rates, could meaningfully squeeze AstraZeneca&#8217;s most profitable market.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">At the same time, the company is also navigating through an ongoing anti-corruption investigation in China&#8217;s pharmaceutical sector. And combined, the group&#8217;s position in both of these crucial markets could soon come under pressure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unilever-the-unsung-stalwart">Unilever – the unsung stalwart</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another top pick from the pros in 2026 is <strong>Unilever</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-ulvr/">LSE:ULVR</a>), which seemingly combines robust growth with solid defensive traits that could help reduce portfolio volatility in an uncertain market environment.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Unilever plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:ULVR" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>
</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Under CEO Fernando Fernández, Unilever is in the middle of its most dramatic transformation in decades.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Having already spun off its ice cream business in late 2025, the group announced in March 2026 that it would <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/understanding-the-market/takeovers-and-mergers/">combine its entire food division</a>, which contains brands like <em>Hellmann&#8217;s</em>, <em>Knorr</em>, and <em>Marmite</em>, with US spice giant <strong>McCormick</strong> in a $44.8bn deal.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What remains will be a pureplay beauty, personal care, and home products business built around Power Brands like <em>Dove</em>, <em>Axe</em>, and <em>Domestos</em> – categories that carry higher margins and faster structural growth than food.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, it&#8217;s important to highlight that the McCormick deal hasn’t gone down particularly well with shareholders of both companies. Large-scale mergers are complex and have a habit of incurring lots of unexpected costs. And since Unilever will still retain a 65% equity stake in the newly formed business, weak performance in the future could have knock-on effects.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Even if the deal goes through as planned, there remains the challenge of consumers potentially trading down to cheaper non-branded alternatives to Unilever&#8217;s products, limiting the group&#8217;s pricing power – a key risk to be aware of.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bottom-line">The bottom line</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">No stock is ever without risk, even FTSE 100 titans like AstraZeneca and Unilever and I can&#8217;t say they&#8217;re &#8216;the best&#8217; to buy today. Yet when weighed against their potential long-term rewards, both companies look like potentially top stocks for investors seeking a more defensive way to grow their wealth that could still outperform a savings account in the long run.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That&#8217;s why I think both companies deserve a closer look.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/05/03/with-9633-30-to-invest-are-these-the-best-uk-stocks-to-buy-now/">With £9,633.30 to invest, are these the best UK stocks to buy now?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
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                                <title>If the stock market crashes, I&#8217;m keen to buy these world-class FTSE 100 shares</title>
                <link>https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/30/if-the-stock-market-crashes-im-keen-to-buy-these-world-class-ftse-100-shares/</link>
                                <pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:26:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ben McPoland]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Growth Shares]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/?p=1684616</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>The UK stock market's home to a number of top-notch companies that operate globally, including this pair of high-quality compounders.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/30/if-the-stock-market-crashes-im-keen-to-buy-these-world-class-ftse-100-shares/">If the stock market crashes, I&#8217;m keen to buy these world-class FTSE 100 shares</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Stock market legend Peter Lynch once said: &#8220;<em>The best stock to buy is the one you already own</em>&#8220;.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I&#8217;m a big believer in that philosophy. After all, I own a share because I think it will rise over time and I already know a lot about the company from my research. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, Lynch didn&#8217;t mean blindly buy more of everything in your portfolio. Valuation also matters. That&#8217;s why the star stock-picker also once said: &#8220;<em>A correction</em> [or crash] <em>is a wonderful opportunity to buy your favourite companies at a bargain price</em>&#8220;.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Putting these two things together then, here are two <strong>FTSE 100 </strong>stocks I&#8217;d like to buy more of at a lower price in a market meltdown.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oncology-leader">Oncology leader </h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The first company is the second-largest on the <strong>London Stock Exchange</strong>. I&#8217;m talking about <strong>AstraZeneca</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-azn/">LSE:AZN</a>), the pharmaceutical giant with a £214bn market-cap.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The share price is up 88% in the past five years, with dividends on top. </p>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Astrazeneca plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:AZN" data-range="5y" data-start-date="2021-04-30" data-end-date="2026-04-30" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Yesterday (29 April), AstraZeneca reported a solid first quarter. Revenue was up 8% to $15.3bn and core earnings per share rose 5%. Both beat expectations, while core operating profit jumped 12% to $4.3bn. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The company is a world leader in oncology, which made up 45% of revenue in the quarter. The oncology portfolio grew 16%, driven by blockbuster cancer drugs <em>Imfinzi</em> (+30%), <em>Calquence</em>&nbsp;(+17%) and <em>Enhertu</em> (+34%). </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In a win-win for patients and AstraZeneca, the UK has agreed to pay more for new medicines. And the company will invest £300m in expanding existing locations, including a &#8220;<em>lab of the future</em>&#8221; in Macclesfield.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Looking ahead, CEO Pascal Soriot said the firm was on track to reach its target of $80bn in revenue by 2030, up from $58.7bn last year. It expects to launch 20 new medicines by then. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The key risk is a handful of late-stage clinical trial failures. That could threaten the 2030 target, turning investors away from the stock.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, the main reason I prefer to wait for a better chance to buy more shares is the valuation. After rising 31% over the past year, AstraZeneca&#8217;s trading on a <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/pe-ratio/">price-to-earnings</a> (P/E) ratio of 28. And the <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/dividend-yield/">dividend yield</a>&#8216;s quite low at just 1.74%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-class-hotel-group">Top-class hotel group </h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The second stock is <strong>InterContinental Hotels Group</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-ihg/">LSE:IHG</a>). This has been another tremendous performer, doubling in price over the past five years (excluding dividends). </p>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Intercontinental Hotels Group Price" data-ticker="LSE:IHG" data-range="5y" data-start-date="2021-04-30" data-end-date="2026-04-30" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Now, the thing that attracted me to IHG, as it&#8217;s known, is the quality and breadth of its brands. At the luxury end, there&#8217;s <em>Six Senses</em>, <em>Regent</em>, <em>InterContinental</em>, and <em>Kimpton</em>. Then there&#8217;s <em>Crowne Plaza</em>, which is popular with business travellers, and <em>Holiday Inn</em>. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another thing that I like about IHG is its business model. It operates on an asset-light platform, where the group franchises most of its brands rather than owning the physical hotel real estate.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This strategy has a number of benefits:&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>IHG can grow rapidly with minimal capital investment.</li>



<li>Earn high-margin fees.</li>



<li>Return more cash to shareholders because third-party owners bear property maintenance costs.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Again though, the stock&#8217;s trading expensively, at 28 times earnings, while offering a 1.65% dividend yield. With the Middle East wars affecting flights and travel, this valuation probably doesn&#8217;t reflect the near-term risks.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, this is a high-quality compounder I want more of, especially at a bargain price.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/30/if-the-stock-market-crashes-im-keen-to-buy-these-world-class-ftse-100-shares/">If the stock market crashes, I&#8217;m keen to buy these world-class FTSE 100 shares</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
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                                <title>What next for AstraZeneca shares, after another cracking quarter?</title>
                <link>https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/29/what-next-for-astrazeneca-shares-after-another-cracking-quarter/</link>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:30:20 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Alan Oscroft]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Market Movers]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/?p=1681684</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>AstraZeneca shares have made storming gains since Pascal Soriot became the boss. The latest outlook suggests it could be far from over.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/29/what-next-for-astrazeneca-shares-after-another-cracking-quarter/">What next for AstraZeneca shares, after another cracking quarter?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>AstraZeneca</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-azn/">LSE: AZN</a>) shares wobbled a bit Wednesday morning (29 April), even though the pharma giant reported more than $15bn in first-quarter revenue. The results beat expectations, and the company reaffirmed its positive full-year guidance.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">CEO Pascal Soriot told us the company is &#8220;<em>on track to achieve our ambition for 2030 and beyond</em>.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The share price dipped a couple of percent, edging into negative territory year to date. But AstraZeneca is still up 19% over 12 months &#8212; and has soared 85% in the past five years. Let&#8217;s dig in and see what&#8217;s happening&#8230;</p>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Astrazeneca plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:AZN" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-double-digit-growth">Double-digit growth</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The company reported a 5% rise in core <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/understanding-company-accounts/the-profit-and-loss-account/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earnings per share</a>. And the board says it expects mid-to-high single-digit revenue growth and low double-digit core EPS growth for the full year.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It&#8217;s hard to think of a better example of how a long-term plan can outstrip short-term earnings targets than AstraZeneca. And it&#8217;s all thanks to the stunning turnaround Pascal Soriot kicked off when he took on the challenge in 2012. AstraZeneca needed to focus on getting its research pipeline up to strength. And the new boss made it clear it would need time and patience.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As an aside, an investor who put £5,000 into AstraZeneca on the day Soriot became boss would today be sitting on shares worth £23,550, by my calculation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next">What&#8217;s next?</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Looking at these results, I&#8217;m struck by one part of what the CEO said.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>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 &#8211; tozorakimab in COPD and efzimfotase alfa in hypophosphatasia</em>.</p>
</blockquote>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Expertise in oncology and rare diseases lies behind AstraZeneca&#8217;s success. And these new developments, with the boss talking about multiple launches in preparation, convince me the company still has its eye on the ball &#8212; and its sights set on long-term <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/types-of-stocks/value-stocks-vs-growth-stocks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There&#8217;s a strategic collaboration with CSPC Pharmaceuticals too, &#8220;<em>to advance the development of multiple next-generation therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes</em>.&#8221; AstraZeneca will invest $1.2bn upfront.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-pitfalls">Potential pitfalls</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">An aggressive drug research pipeline is, however, in part a case of running to stand still. We&#8217;ll see the expiry of some profitable patents in the coming years, including a handful of blockbusters.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">And even an impressive pipeline like AstraZeneca&#8217;s is no guarantee that lost blockbuster profits will be replaced. It&#8217;s a problem that faces all pharmaceutical companies.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Whether the stock&#8217;s high valuation is fair is a tricky question. We&#8217;re looking at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of close to 24 for the current year. And this is a company with only modest dividend yields &#8212; there&#8217;s 1.7% forecast for this year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-so-what-s-the-verdict">So what&#8217;s the verdict?</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The weak reaction to this latest quarter doesn&#8217;t surprise me that much, as a company can need to smash expectations to impress growth investors at these levels. And this was largely as expected.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">But I think AstraZeneca deserves its premium rating, and I reckon long-term ISA investors should consider it.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/29/what-next-for-astrazeneca-shares-after-another-cracking-quarter/">What next for AstraZeneca shares, after another cracking quarter?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
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                                <title>These are 2 of the hottest FTSE 100 stocks to buy right now, say the experts!</title>
                <link>https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/21/these-are-2-of-the-hottest-ftse-100-stocks-to-buy-right-now-say-the-experts/</link>
                                <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:25:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Alan Oscroft]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Value Shares]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/?p=1677964</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Analysts are upbeat about which UK stocks to buy in 2026, in a year that could generate an all-time record for Footsie dividends.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/21/these-are-2-of-the-hottest-ftse-100-stocks-to-buy-right-now-say-the-experts/">These are 2 of the hottest FTSE 100 stocks to buy right now, say the experts!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
]]></description>
                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Brokers are offering increasingly enthusiastic recommendations for stocks to buy this year. That&#8217;s maybe not surprising, as the <strong>FTSE 100</strong> appears to have woken from a decade of slumber. And it&#8217;s firmly above 10,000 points now.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On top of that, analysts predict a new record for dividends from the top London index this year. They could reach as much as £86bn. And that&#8217;s without considering further cash returns from share buybacks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-100-bullish">100% bullish</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A look at recommendations for <strong>RELX</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-rel/">LSE: REL</a>) shows all 15 out of the 15 brokers I could find with a Buy or Outperform stance on the stock. Those two things essentially mean the same. And their average price target of 3,600p is a full 33% above the price at the time of writing.</p>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="RELX Plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:REL" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">RELX went rapidly out of fashion as investors feared the AI revolution could overtake its business, which involves data analytics &#8212; specialising in the medical, legal and business sectors.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">But at 2025 results time in February, the company reported a 7% rise in revenue, with adjusted <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/understanding-company-accounts/the-profit-and-loss-account/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">operating profit</a> up 9% and earnings per share up 10%. The board lifted the <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/dividend-yield/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dividend</a> by an inflation-busting 7%.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">RELX is in fact using AI to its advantage. CEO Erik Engstrom told us: &#8220;<em>The continued evolution of artificial intelligence is enabling us to add more value to our customers, as we embed additional functionality in our products, and to develop and launch products at a faster pace</em>.&#8221; He added it &#8220;<em>will remain a key driver of customer value and growth in our business for many years to come.</em>&#8220;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The AI revolution could also make it easier for competitors to try to steal an edge, so we need to watch for that. But I rate RELX as one to consider for investors looking for real-world profits enhanced by AI.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earnings-growth">Earnings growth</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>AstraZeneca</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-azn/">LSE: AZN</a>) doesn&#8217;t inspire quite the same 100% following. But of a list of 24 analysts offering targets, a full 20 of them think we should buy the stock. And only two see it as a Sell.</p>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Astrazeneca plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:AZN" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In this case, we&#8217;re looking at a share price that&#8217;s had a very solid five years. But that comes on the back of impressive profit growth. Earnings per share (EPS) more than trebled between 2022 and 2025. And analysts predict EPS growth of a further 60% by 2028.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On top of that, they expect net debt to drop from the $23.4bn recorded at the end of 2025, to just $2.4bn over that same timescale.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">AstraZeneca has long been on a premium P/E valuation, with a multiple of 26 on the cards for 2026. It could drop to 20 by 2028, which is still above the FTSE 100 long-term average. Would that still be justified? I think a key danger is that the earnings growth cycle might start to fade, and that could drive growth investors away.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Still, we have two stocks here that City analysts think investors should consider buying. I find it impossible to disagree.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/21/these-are-2-of-the-hottest-ftse-100-stocks-to-buy-right-now-say-the-experts/">These are 2 of the hottest FTSE 100 stocks to buy right now, say the experts!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
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                                <title>How to try and double the State Pension with just £30 a week</title>
                <link>https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/11/how-to-try-and-double-the-state-pension-with-just-30-a-week/</link>
                                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 06:51:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Zaven Boyrazian, CFA]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retirement Articles]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/?p=1671712</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>By saving money each week and investing regularly, even someone without a lot of cash to spare can aim to more than double the current State Pension income.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/11/how-to-try-and-double-the-state-pension-with-just-30-a-week/">How to try and double the State Pension with just £30 a week</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
]]></description>
                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With the UK State Pension now paying out £241.30 a week, Britons receiving the full amount are now getting just shy of £12,550 a year. But even after this recent payout bump, that still falls short of the £13,400 that Pensions UK has estimated someone needs to meet the absolute basic living standards.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The good news is that by putting aside as little as £30 a week early on in a career and investing this money in high-quality UK shares, someone can double this income. Here&#8217;s how.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regular-stock-investments-and-compounding">Regular stock investments and compounding</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On average, the <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/understanding-the-market/what-is-the-stock-market-and-how-does-it-work/">UK stock market</a> generates a return of around 8% a year over the long term. And with trading fees dropping drastically over the last two decades, investing has never been more accessible to the British public, even those earning the Minimum Wage.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">But to keep fees as low as possible, it&#8217;s often best to put money into an interest-paying savings account each week, and then invest this capital at the end of each month.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For anyone putting £30 aside each week, that translates into an average of £130 available to invest each month. And assuming a portfolio matches the stock market&#8217;s average return, then after 40 years of <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/the-miracle-of-compound-returns/">compounding</a>, a total of £453,831 is unlocked.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Following the 4% withdrawal rule, that&#8217;s enough to generate an additional retirement income of £18,153. And when combined with the current State Pension, that translates into a total passive income of just over £30,000 – more than double the government provides alone.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Of course, not everyone has 40 years ahead. But by making a few sacrifices to have more money for investments each week, the timeline can be drastically accelerated.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Weekly Investment Capital</strong></td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"><strong>Time To Reach ~£450,000 At An 8% Return</strong></td></tr><tr><td>£30</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">40 Years</td></tr><tr><td>£50</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">34 Years</td></tr><tr><td>£70</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">30 Years</td></tr><tr><td>£100</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">26 Years</td></tr><tr><td>£150</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">22 Years</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-stocks-should-investors-buy">Which stocks should investors buy?</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Over the next 20-40 years, the UK State Pension is likely to change. And with concerns about the long-term sustainability of the triple lock, Britons could end up with less support from the government in the future, highlighting why building additional retirement wealth is crucial.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">But of course, the next question is, what stocks should investors consider buying?</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Most investment advisors often recommend building out a solid foundation of boring but dependable industry giants. And today, <strong>AstraZeneca</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-azn/">LSE:AZN</a>) is ranked as one of the most recommended large-cap stocks for long-term investors building a new portfolio.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The biopharmaceutical giant has a vast portfolio of drugs targeting a wide range of diseases. And with management outlining its ambitions to grow revenues from $58.7bn in 2025 to over $80bn by 2030, the firm continues to invest heavily in its development pipeline.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Astrazeneca plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:AZN" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>
</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With continuous structural demand for AstraZeneca&#8217;s products even during recessions, the business has proven to be remarkably resilient during economic wobbles. And it&#8217;s why it&#8217;s a popular favourite among both experts and everyday investors.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, there are still risks. Drug patents eventually expire. And AstraZeneca has a few blockbuster treatments losing their protection in the coming years. That may not be a problem if new treatments replace the lost revenue. But drug development is notoriously challenging and, as such, it&#8217;s possible that the business falls short of its targets.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Nevertheless, with a long track record of success, AstraZeneca shares could be worth mulling for investors looking to start building a retirement portfolio that can generate a State Pension-beating passive income.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/11/how-to-try-and-double-the-state-pension-with-just-30-a-week/">How to try and double the State Pension with just £30 a week</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
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                                <title>£20,000 invested in AstraZeneca shares 5 years ago is now worth…</title>
                <link>https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/08/20000-invested-in-astrazeneca-shares-5-years-ago-is-now-worth/</link>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Simon Watkins]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Growth Shares]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/?p=1672728</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>AstraZeneca shares have more than doubled since 2021 -- but they still look very undervalued. Here’s why forecast earnings growth could close that gap soon.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/08/20000-invested-in-astrazeneca-shares-5-years-ago-is-now-worth/">£20,000 invested in AstraZeneca shares 5 years ago is now worth…</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
]]></description>
                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>AstraZeneca </strong>(<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-azn/">LSE: AZN</a>) shares have benefited from one of the most impressive long‑term reinventions in the <strong>FTSE 100</strong>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A decade ago, it was a lumbering, patent‑cliff‑ridden pharma giant. Today it is a high‑growth, oncology‑driven, research‑led machine with global scale and a pipeline that most rivals would kill for.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">And from 8 April 2021 to now, a £20,000 holding in the stock would have grown into£44,108 once dividends are included. That is a share price gain of £21,143, plus another £2,965 in dividends, giving a total return of around 121%.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That said, I believe there is still a huge gap remaining between the stock’s price and its ‘fair value’. And experience has shown that share prices tend to converge to this fair value over time.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">So, what sort of potential price gains are we looking at?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strong-growth-momentum"><strong>Strong growth momentum</strong></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A risk to AstraZeneca is any delay in the ramp‑up of key oncology launches that could squeeze its earnings. And it is ultimately growth in these that power any firm’s share price higher. Another is any regulatory or clinical setbacks across its late‑stage pipeline that could delay key products’ path to market.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, analysts forecast that the company’s earnings will grow a very robust 13% a year over the medium term. And these projections look well supported by <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/understanding-company-accounts/annual-reports-and-accounts/https:/stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/understanding-company-accounts/annual-reports-and-accounts/">recent results</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Reported earnings per share (EPS) soared 45% year on year to $6.60 (£5), reflecting strong operating leverage and lower impairment charges. Revenue jumped 9%to $58.7bn, driven by Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal &amp; Metabolism, Respiratory &amp; Immunology, and Rare Disease. And operating profit rose 9% to $18.49bn, powered by strong performances from&nbsp;<em>Tagrisso</em>,&nbsp;<em>Imfinzi</em>,&nbsp;<em>Calquence</em>&nbsp;and the accelerating antibody-drug cancer medicines portfolio.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Looking ahead, management expects mid‑to‑high single‑digit revenue growth and low double‑digit core EPS growth in 2026. AstraZeneca also reiterated its forecast that it will hit its 2030 target of $80bn in annual revenue.</p>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Astrazeneca plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:AZN" data-range="5y" data-start-date="2021-04-08" data-end-date="2026-04-08" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-should-the-shares-be-trading"><strong>Where ‘should’ the shares be trading?</strong></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In my experience as a former investment bank trader,&nbsp;<a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/discounted-cash-flow-dcf/">discounted cash flow</a>&nbsp;(DCF) analysis is the optimal way to ascertain a share’s fair value.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It does this by projecting an underlying business’s future cash flows and then ‘discounting’ them back to today. The more uncertain those earnings are, the higher the return investors demand and the greater the discount applied.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Some analysts’ DCF modelling is more bearish than mine due to the inputs used. However, based on my DCF assumptions — including a 7.2% discount rate — AstraZeneca shares are 38% undervalued at their current £149.07 price.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Therefore, their fair value could secretly be close to £240.44 a share.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">And because stocks can trade to their fair value over time, this price-to-value gap suggests a potentially terrific buying opportunity to consider today <span style="text-decoration: underline">if</span> those DCF assumptions hold.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-my-investment-view"><strong>My investment view</strong></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I believe the market is still underestimating AstraZeneca’s earnings power, driven by the rapid shift into a higher‑growth, innovation‑led business.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With analysts expecting double‑digit profit growth and management guiding to sustained expansion through to 2030, it looks much stronger than the share price implies.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">So, I will be adding to my holding in the firm shortly and think it worthy of other investors’ attention.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I also have my eye on other high-growth stocks that look seriously undervalued.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/08/20000-invested-in-astrazeneca-shares-5-years-ago-is-now-worth/">£20,000 invested in AstraZeneca shares 5 years ago is now worth…</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
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                                <title>What&#8217;s going on with the AstraZeneca share price now?</title>
                <link>https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/07/whats-going-on-with-the-astrazeneca-share-price-now-2/</link>
                                <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. James Fox]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Value Shares]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/?p=1671272</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Dr James Fox explores the recent movements in the AstraZeneca share price and evaluates whether it's still a good long-term investment opportunity. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/07/whats-going-on-with-the-astrazeneca-share-price-now-2/">What&#8217;s going on with the AstraZeneca share price now?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
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                                                                                            <content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <strong>AstraZeneca </strong>(<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-azn/">LSE:AZN</a>) share price is approaching all-time highs.  A recent catalyst, sending the shares moving upwards by over 3%, was the report that its experimental lung disease medicine hit its targets in two late-stage clinical trials. This was seen as a real treatment breakthrough.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Astrazeneca plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:AZN" data-range="5y" data-start-date="" data-end-date="" data-comparison-value=""></div>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-breakthrough-in-copd">A breakthrough in COPD</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The drug in question is tozorakimab, a monoclonal antibody that works by suppressing the protein interleukin-33 (IL-33). It reduces inflammation and disrupts the cycle of mucus dysfunction that drives chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">COPD isn&#8217;t a niche condition — it&#8217;s the world&#8217;s third leading cause of death. The trial results showed the treatment reduced flare-ups in both former smokers and the broader patient population versus placebo.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What made the market sit up wasn&#8217;t just the data itself, but what it proved. Previous IL-33 drugs from <strong>Sanofi</strong> and <strong>Roche</strong> had failed and AstraZeneca&#8217;s results are the first two confirmatory Phase III trials for an IL-33 biologic. That&#8217;s a genuine scientific landmark, and that&#8217;s why the stock market&#8217;s paying attention.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pharma-can-be-hard-to-value">Pharma can be hard to value</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here&#8217;s the honest truth. It took me a while to get my head around the announcement above. And I think a lot of investors would be the same position unless they had a strong background in biology, medicine etc.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That&#8217;s the issue with pharmaceutical companies for me: they&#8217;re extraordinarily difficult to analyse. The headline financials — revenues, margins, earnings growth — only tell half the story.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The real question is always what&#8217;s coming next? Answering that requires additional knowledge, which I and many others simply don&#8217;t have.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">AstraZeneca, for example, has some 200 products in its pipeline &#8212; some more important and promising than others. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For most investors, pharma&#8217;s an act of faith as much as analysis — you&#8217;re betting on management and the depth of the pipeline as much as any spreadsheet metric. But the company should have the scientific grounding to cut through this complexity — and it&#8217;s notable that 26 brokers currently cover AstraZeneca with the consensus leaning firmly towards Buy. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-valuation-looks-fair">The valuation looks fair</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">AstraZeneca trades on a forward <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/pe-ratio/">price-to-earnings (P/E)</a> of around 19 times for 2026, representing a modest premium to the sector average and substantially higher than the average the UK average. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That might sound punchy, but the earnings growth forecast is strong and the three-year normalised EPS CAGR sits at over 26%. Profitability metrics are exceptional too, with return on equity of 22.9% and operating margins of 23.4%.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">But, of course, things like the <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/how-to-value-shares/the-peg-ratio/">price-to-earnings-to-growth (PEG)</a> ratio don&#8217;t give us a full picture here. And that&#8217;s because the attraction of biotech and pharma is often long term due to ageing populations and expanding diagnosis rates. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">So my view is that the valuation isn&#8217;t excessive for a company with this kind of pipeline depth and increasingly predictable growth. It&#8217;s worth considering at current levels, but I&#8217;d add that the margin of safety isn&#8217;t as strong as it once was.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/04/07/whats-going-on-with-the-astrazeneca-share-price-now-2/">What&#8217;s going on with the AstraZeneca share price now?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
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                                <title>2 FTSE 100 blue-chips to consider for a new £20k Stocks and Shares ISA</title>
                <link>https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/03/25/2-ftse-100-blue-chips-to-consider-for-a-new-20k-stocks-and-shares-isa/</link>
                                <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:21:47 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ben McPoland]]></dc:creator>
                		<category><![CDATA[Investing Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing For Beginners]]></category>

                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/?p=1665850</guid>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p>Ben McPoland highlights a pair of high-quality FTSE 100 stocks that have strong momentum on their side yet are trading at reasonable valuations. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/03/25/2-ftse-100-blue-chips-to-consider-for-a-new-20k-stocks-and-shares-isa/">2 FTSE 100 blue-chips to consider for a new £20k Stocks and Shares ISA</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>FTSE 100</strong> stocks come in all shapes and sizes. The largest are globetrotting beasts with tentacles here, there and everywhere, while some of the smallest have often just been promoted from the <strong>FTSE 250</strong>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The thing they all have in common is an ability to make shareholders wealthier over time. Here are two established Footsie shares that I reckon are worth considering for a £20,000 ISA in April.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astrazeneca">AstraZeneca </h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Let&#8217;s start with the largest of the lot, which is <strong>AstraZeneca</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-azn/">LSE:AZN</a>). Currently, it has a £215bn market cap, putting it just ahead of <strong>HSBC</strong> (£206bn).</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Including dividends, this world-class <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/market-sectors/investing-in-healthcare-stocks-in-the-uk/">pharmaceuticals</a> company has returned just over 100% in the past five years. Nice.</p>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Astrazeneca plc Price" data-ticker="LSE:AZN" data-range="5y" data-start-date="2021-03-25" data-end-date="2026-03-25" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One thing I love about AstraZeneca is its geographic diversification. Around 40% of sales come from the US, the world&#8217;s largest healthcare market, but it also has decent exposure to China (11%) and the UK and Europe (about 15% collectively). Emerging markets revenue grew 12% last year.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another thing to like is the reasonable valuation. Based on 2027 forecasts, the forward-looking price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 16. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There&#8217;s also a 1.9% yield forecast for next year. While modest, the payout is exceptionally well covered by expected earnings, suggesting the dividend should rise over time.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Then again, dividends are never set in stone. And changes in drug pricing in certain markets, as well as potential phase III trial failures, are unavoidable risks.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Stepping back, though, I&#8217;m still bullish on the stock. AstraZeneca has five multi-blockbuster cancer medicines (<em>Tagrisso</em>, <em>Imfinzi</em>, <em>Calquence</em>, <em>Lynparza</em> and <em>Enhertu</em>). Its oncology portfolio is growing in double digits, with Enhertu sales surging 40% last year.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>We have more than 100 Phase III studies ongoing, including a substantial and growing number of trials of our transformative technologies, which have the potential to revolutionise outcomes for patients and drive our growth well beyond 2030.</em> <br>AstraZeneca.</p>
</blockquote>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The UN predicts that the global population will reach 9.7bn by 2050, with an unprecedented ageing demographic. This is a powerful global trend for the pharmaceuticals sector.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Furthermore, AstraZeneca&#8217;s pipeline (and margins) could get a significant boost from artificial intelligence-powered drug discovery in the years ahead. I think this is currently underappreciated. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aviva">Aviva </h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The second blue-chip I think is worth looking at is <strong>Aviva</strong> (<a class="tickerized-link" href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/tickers/lse-av/">LSE:AV.</a>). After its acquisition of Direct Line last year, the <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/investing-basics/market-sectors/investing-in-insurance-stocks-in-the-uk/">insurance</a> company has over 25m customers in the UK, Ireland and Canada. More than 7m are multi-product holders.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Recently, the stock has slipped 10%, reflecting growing risks around the global economy, inflation and falling stock markets (it has a large asset management arm). However, this pullback puts the forward dividend yield at an attractive 6.8%.</p>


<div class="tmf-chart-singleseries" data-title="Aviva Plc - Ordinary Shares Price" data-ticker="LSE:AV." data-range="5y" data-start-date="2021-03-25" data-end-date="2026-03-25" data-comparison-value=""></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Last year, group operating&nbsp;profit&nbsp;increased 25% to £2.2bn, with a target in place to achieve 11% annualised growth&nbsp;in operating earnings per share between 2025 and 2028. Part of this will involve repurchasing shares, starting with a £350m buyback.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another key pillar of this growth will be more capital-light operations, particularly wealth and general insurance. Here, management says Aviva is in a &#8220;<em>very strong&nbsp;position to deliver long-term growth</em>&#8220;. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Finally, Aviva is rolling out virtual agents (agentic AI) that can handle simple claims calls from beginning to end via telephone. This tech innovation could significantly cut costs over time. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The forward P/E ratio here is just 10.5. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com/2026/03/25/2-ftse-100-blue-chips-to-consider-for-a-new-20k-stocks-and-shares-isa/">2 FTSE 100 blue-chips to consider for a new £20k Stocks and Shares ISA</a> appeared first on <a href="https://stage2026.twelfthmagpie.com">The Twelfth Magpie</a>.</p>
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