Should I buy AstraZeneca stock in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been tracking AstraZeneca's stock performance for over three years. Every month, over a million users in the UK trust us to analyse market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes and do not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical charter, we have never been, and will never be, compensated by AstraZeneca.

What is AstraZeneca?

AstraZeneca stock price

The price of AstraZeneca stock is declining this week. The current price stands at 10,440 pence, with a 24-hour rise of 0.50% but a weekly drop of 2.92%. AstraZeneca’s market capitalisation is £161.11 billion, with an average volume of 2.49 million shares over three months. The P/E Ratio is 28.83, the dividend yield is 2.43%, and the stock’s beta is a low 0.17. This combination of stability and growth potential makes AstraZeneca a key focus for investors seeking resilience and opportunity.

Our full analysis on AstraZeneca stock

Over the past three years, we have closely examined AstraZeneca’s most recent financial statements and share price evolution. By integrating proprietary algorithms across a range of analytical sources—including financial ratios, technical trends, market data, peer benchmarks, and forward-looking indicators—we aim to provide a comprehensive, data-driven perspective. So, why might AstraZeneca stock once again become a strategic entry point into the global healthcare and innovation sector in 2025?

Recent performance and market context

AstraZeneca shares currently trade at 10,440 pence, representing a modest 24-hour advance of +0.50% and a limited weekly decline of -2.92%. While the stock has faced some retracement over the past year (down -13.19%), this follows a period of significant outperformance between 2021 and mid-2024, during which AstraZeneca consistently outpaced much of the FTSE 100 healthcare cohort. Positive recent developments—including the US approval of Datroway for non-small cell lung cancer and a $5.33 billion strategic alliance announced with CSPC Pharmaceutical Group—have markedly enhanced sentiment and pipeline credibility.

The current macroeconomic climate remains a tailwind for large-cap defensives such as AstraZeneca. Amid ongoing global health challenges and heightened demand for specialty and oncology treatments, investor appetite for robust dividend payers with technology-driven growth pipelines is especially pronounced. The group’s strong market position and proven resilience through UK and global economic cycles underpin the view that AstraZeneca is exceptionally well placed for any sector recovery or re-rating.

Technical analysis

Technical signals provide several reasons for cautious optimism. AstraZeneca’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 64.60, suggesting healthy momentum without overbought risk. The MACD (12,26,9) indicator, with a reading of 50.5, clearly points to a bullish phase, while the share price remains above all key moving averages except the 200-day, where there is a minor, temporary lag (20-day at 10,325 pence; 50-day at 10,246 pence; 100-day at 10,347 pence; with the 200-day at 10,572 pence). This supports a medium-term constructive outlook.

Short-term, the shares are anchored by strong support at 10,394 pence, with contained volatility and a current range between 9,574 and 13,388 pence over 52 weeks. Notably, technical consensus across market participants is rated “Strong Buy” (10 buy versus 2 sell signals from moving averages), confirming the robust technical underpinnings for a potential rebound.

Fundamental analysis

From a fundamental perspective, AstraZeneca displays a powerful mix of revenue growth, profit resilience, and strategic expansion. The latest quarterly results saw revenue reach $13.59 billion (+10% year-on-year), significantly outperforming consensus, especially in the high-growth Oncology and BioPharmaceuticals divisions. Net profitability and cash flow generation remain strong, supporting both robust investment in R&D and reliable shareholder returns.

Valuation-wise, the price/earnings ratio stands at 28.83—attractive in the context of projected annual earnings growth of 15.3% through 2027 and in line with premium global pharmaceutical peers. Dividend stability (yielding 2.43%) adds to the stock’s defensive appeal, while its ultra-low beta of 0.17 highlights minimal volatility relative to the broader market. AstraZeneca’s structural strengths—market share leadership, diversified product portfolio, and first-mover advantages in immuno-oncology and rare diseases—further validate its blue-chip status.

Innovation remains central to the growth story, with major breakthroughs in oncology, rare disorders, and next-generation biologics consistently generating new revenue opportunities. Cross-industry partnerships, significant geographic diversification (notably expansion in China), and technological leadership in the development of complex medicines ensure the group maintains a long-term competitive moat.

Volume and liquidity

Liquidity metrics for AstraZeneca are another indicator of confidence. The stock’s average three-month trading volume stands at 2.49 million shares, among the highest in the FTSE 100, supporting dynamic price discovery and efficient market entry or exit. An ample free float and high institutional participation further underpin market depth, ensuring that valuation adjustments can be rapidly reflected in the share price.

For investors, such sustained volume not only signals broad-based confidence but also enhances the stock’s suitability for a variety of investment horizons—from tactical trades to strategic, long-term allocations.

Catalysts and positive outlook

• Approval and launch of Datroway in the US, opening new market opportunities in oncology.
• A $5.33 billion strategic alliance with CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, deepening exposure to rapidly expanding Asian markets, particularly China.
• Ongoing pipeline advancements in immunotherapies, rare disease treatments, and specialty biologics, with multiple late-stage candidates approaching pivotal milestones.
• Sustained R&D investments exceeding industry averages, reinforcing long-term growth expectations.
• Rumoured plans to shift the company’s primary listing to the US, which could materially enhance its valuation, increase analyst coverage, and stimulate further international investor interest.
• Commitment to ESG standards and climate initiatives, crucial for attracting global institutional stakeholders, especially those with sustainability mandates.
• Projected earnings growth of 15.3% per year through 2027, a pace exceeding that of most global pharma peers.

Favourable regulatory contexts, increasing healthcare expenditure, and demographic shifts towards an ageing, health-conscious population construct a supportive macro backdrop for AstraZeneca’s continued growth.

Investment strategies

For the short-term investor, AstraZeneca’s current technical set-up—anchored around a strong support zone and with bullish momentum—appears to represent an excellent opportunity to benefit from potential technical rebounds and upcoming product-related catalysts.

In the medium term, the stock’s robust operational performance, high expected earnings growth, and presence of market-moving events (such as major clinical trial results or a possible change in listing jurisdiction) suggest that the fundamentals justify renewed interest. Tactical entries ahead of earnings announcements or catalyst events may reward nimble investors.

Looking to the long term, AstraZeneca’s entrenched leadership in oncology, aggressive strategic reinvestment, and resilient cash flows make it a potential cornerstone holding for growth- and income-oriented portfolios alike. Portfolio diversification, consistent dividend streams, and the ability to weather macro headwinds reinforce its strategic role in a well-constructed UK or global equity portfolio.

Support from technical, fundamental, and macro perspectives means investors can confidently approach positions in AstraZeneca, even at current valuation levels, with the possibility of further upside as positive operational surprises and sector flows catalyse re-rating.

Is it the right time to buy AstraZeneca?

• A robust blend of organic growth, defensiveness, and innovative leadership.
• Recent strong financial and operational performance, with new product approvals adding to momentum.
• Outstanding technical and fundamental underpinnings, with confirmed support levels and a consensus “Strong Buy” rating across key indicators.
• High liquidity and powerful institutional backing, facilitating rapid valuation adjustment as new catalysts emerge.
• Substantial pipeline depth, strategic partnerships, and the real possibility of further positive re-rating if a US primary listing is announced.

In today’s context, AstraZeneca seems to represent an excellent opportunity for investors seeking a blend of growth, stability, and innovation exposure within the global healthcare sector. The fundamentals justify renewed interest, and the stock may well be entering a new bullish phase—making this a compelling moment to consider adding AstraZeneca to a diversified, forward-looking portfolio.

How to buy AstraZeneca stock in the UK?

Buying AstraZeneca stock online is both straightforward and safe when using a regulated UK broker. Investors can choose between two main investment methods: spot (cash) buying, which offers direct share ownership, or trading via CFDs (Contracts for Difference), which allows for leveraged exposure without actually owning the shares. Both methods are easily accessible with leading British brokers. You’ll find a comparison of top brokers and platforms further down the page to help you choose the best option for your needs.

Spot buying

Spot, or cash, buying of AstraZeneca shares means you physically own the stock and enjoy any dividends or long-term capital appreciation. Most UK brokers charge a fixed commission per trade, typically around £5–£12, or a small percentage fee.

Gain Scenario: AstraZeneca Shares

If the AstraZeneca share price is 10,440 GBp (about £104.40), you can buy around 9 shares with a £1,000 stake, including a brokerage fee of about £5.

Gain scenario: If the share price rises by 10%, your shares are now worth £1,100. Result: +£100 gross gain, i.e. +10% on your investment.

Trading via CFD

CFD trading on AstraZeneca shares allows you to speculate on price changes without taking ownership of the underlying stock. CFDs offer leverage, so you can access a larger position with a smaller initial outlay, but this involves specific risks and costs, such as the spread (difference between buy and sell price) and overnight financing fees for leveraged positions held beyond a day.

Example of a CFD position with leverage

You open a CFD position on AstraZeneca shares with £1,000 and use 5x leverage. This gives you a market exposure of £5,000.

✔️ Gain scenario: If the stock rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%. Result: +£400 gain on an initial £1,000 (excluding fees).

Final advice

Before you invest in AstraZeneca, compare broker fees and account conditions to ensure you’re getting the most suitable and cost-effective platform—see the detailed broker comparison below. As always, the best method for you depends on your experience, risk tolerance, and investment objectives.

Our 7 tips for buying AstraZeneca stock

The latest news about AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca’s share price advanced 0.5% intraday, supported by strong technical buy signals across key indicators. Over the last week, momentum returned to the stock, with the RSI at 64.6 and MACD showing a firm buy. Short-term and medium-term moving averages have aligned positively, highlighting renewed investor confidence in the company’s strategic execution and sector leadership in the UK pharmaceutical sector.

Consensus analyst forecasts project a 29% upside, reinforcing confidence in AstraZeneca’s future prospects in the UK. The latest broker research in the British market sets a target price of 13,027 pence. This prospective growth is underpinned by AstraZeneca’s resilient earnings, attractive dividend yield, and expanding leadership in oncology and biopharmaceutical innovation, key priorities for the UK’s healthcare sector.

First-quarter 2025 results outperformed expectations, showing double-digit growth in oncology and biopharma divisions. Revenue reached $13.588 billion, up 10% year-on-year, solidifying AstraZeneca’s position as a UK-based global pharmaceutical powerhouse. The market response to these results was particularly positive given their clear affirmation of long-term value creation and operational efficiency.

AstraZeneca recently secured a $5.33 billion strategic partnership with CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, illustrating global reach and innovation. This deal, announced last month, strengthens the company’s presence in international markets and further supports its UK operations by generating new revenue streams. Investors in the UK view such international collaborations as a testament to AstraZeneca’s ability to leverage innovation for long-term growth.

Stable dividend policy and ISA eligibility continue to enhance AstraZeneca’s appeal to UK retail investors. With a 2.43% dividend yield, AstraZeneca remains an attractive choice for income-focused investors. The stock’s eligibility for tax-efficient accounts such as ISAs provides an additional incentive for investment, while its headquarters and significant R&D footprint in Cambridge reinforce its strategic importance in the UK.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.