Should I buy AstraZeneca stock in 2025?

Why trust HelloSafe?

At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring the performance of AstraZeneca for more than three years. Each month, hundreds of thousands of users in the United Kingdom rely on us to interpret market trends and highlight the most promising investment opportunities. Our analyses are intended for informational purposes only and do not represent investment advice. In line with our ethical charter, we have never been, and never will be, paid or compensated by AstraZeneca.

What is AstraZeneca?

How much is AstraZeneca stock?

The price of AstraZeneca stock is falling this week. As of now, AstraZeneca trades at $70.51 per share, showing a 1.78% decrease over the past 24 hours and a weekly drop of 1.38%.

A beta of 0.43 indicates relatively low volatility compared to the broader market. While recent price trends call for cautious optimism, AstraZeneca’s stability and strong fundamentals continue to offer potential for investors seeking long-term value in the UK market.

Our full analysis on AstraZeneca stock

Having thoroughly reviewed AstraZeneca's latest financial results and assessed its share price dynamics over the past three years, our analysis integrates proprietary data synthesis across financial indicators, technical signals, market trends, and competitive positioning. Using this multifactorial approach, we aim to provide an impartial—yet insight-rich—perspective on AstraZeneca’s current standing within the global healthcare sector. So, why might AstraZeneca stock once again become a strategic entry point into the pharmaceutical and biotechnology markets in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

AstraZeneca’s share price presently stands at $70.51 (ADR; as of 2 May 2025), reflecting a YTD gain of 7.62% despite a modest 1-year pullback of -6.98%. The stock's trading range between $61.24 and $87.68 over the past year underscores its relative resilience in a volatile macro environment. Notably, market sentiment has remained constructive, supported by a robust $222 billion market capitalisation and consistent average daily trading volume of 6.15 million shares.

The broader pharmaceutical sector has seen heightened interest due to global demographic trends, persistent innovation, and increased allocations to “defensive growth” shares amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty. AstraZeneca has directly benefited from positive secular tailwinds—such as healthcare digitisation and accelerated approval pathways—while also distinguishing itself through tangible operational achievements:

• Five successful Phase III trials in early 2025, heralding pivotal future product launches;
• Significant U.S. investment in both manufacturing and R&D, cementing its stake in the world’s largest healthcare market;
• Recent FDA approvals (notably for novel bladder cancer therapy), further validating its clinical and commercial strategy.

This combination of macro and company-specific drivers lays a solid foundation for renewed medium- to long-term interest in AstraZeneca.

Technical Analysis

From a technical standpoint, AstraZeneca has recently trended below its 50-day ($72.92) and 200-day ($73.89) moving averages—a configuration that typically denotes short-term caution. The MACD stands at -1.63, pointing to lingering bearish momentum over recent weeks, whereas the 14-day RSI of 45.37 indicates neutral momentum with no evidence of an overbought or oversold condition.

Crucially, the stock is approaching strong support at $69.70 (recent low), with further downside support at $61.24 (52-week trough). Resistance levels are well-defined at $70.70 and $84.16, the latter aligning with consensus analyst price targets. While the technical backdrop is not signalling an immediate bullish reversal, such consolidations often precede renewed upward moves when supported by robust fundamentals and approaching catalysts.

Short- and medium-term momentum appears poised for a positive inflection, particularly as the broader market cycles through sector rotations and AstraZeneca’s expanding pipeline nears commercialisation. Historically, the current technical setup—neutral RSI, proximity to long-term supports—has often acted as a springboard for renewed rallies in high-quality, large-cap pharma stocks.

Fundamental Analysis

AstraZeneca’s fundamental story remains compelling across multiple vectors:

• Growth Dynamics: Q1 2025 revenue surged by 10% (constant currencies) to $13.59 billion, while core operating profit climbed 12%. The standout 21% expansion in core EPS, aided by an optimised tax rate, underscores widening operating leverage.
• Profitability and Efficiency: Steady margin improvement and robust cost discipline have allowed the company to preserve profitability even as it ramps up R&D and market expansion.
• Valuation: The forward P/E of 15.97 appears especially attractive relative to both the sector and AstraZeneca’s own historical range, suggesting the market may not yet be fully reflecting upcoming growth. The current PEG ratio of 1.00 implies that earnings growth is in line with price appreciation, a hallmark of reasonable value. Price/Sales (4.01) and Price/Book (5.33) ratios are well anchored for a company of AstraZeneca’s stature and innovation pipeline.
• Structural Strengths:
• World-class oncology portfolio (e.g., Enhertu, Imfinzi);
• Ongoing leadership in cardiovascular and rare disease segments;
• Strong global brand, consistently reinforced by scientific and commercial execution;
• Management’s unstinting focus on strategic expansion in the U.S. and China.
• Dividend and Quality: A sustainable forward dividend yield of 2.20% enhances total return potential, while a low 5-year beta (0.43) reflects defensiveness and limited correlation to broader market swings.

This combination of growth, reasonable valuation, and sectoral leadership points to a company that continues to deliver at the top and bottom line, whilst innovating at pace in key therapeutic areas.

Volume and Liquidity

Sustained trading volumes—averaging 6.15 million shares daily—signal healthy market engagement and investor confidence even as short-term price fluctuations persist. AstraZeneca’s considerable free float ensures ample liquidity, allowing for efficient price discovery and bolstering potential for dynamic re-rating as bullish catalysts materialize. The depth and breadth of trading on both the LSE and NASDAQ further amplify its appeal to institutional and retail investors seeking both liquidity and international exposure.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

AstraZeneca’s near- and medium-term outlook is underpinned by a formidable range of positive catalysts:

• Product Pipeline: Five concurrent, positive Phase III readouts (Q1/Q2 2025) in high-value indications such as breast cancer (DESTINYBreast09/Enhertu), hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (SERENA-6/camizestrant), and bladder cancer (MATTERHORN/Imfinzi) point toward meaningful, multi-billion-dollar revenue opportunities over coming years.
• U.S. and China Expansion: Aggressive investment in R&D and manufacturing infrastructure, particularly in North America and Asia, provides strategic shouldering against region-specific headwinds, while supporting global sales expansion.
• Regulatory Traction: Recent FDA approvals, pipeline acceleration, and management’s assertion of an “unprecedented catalyst-rich period” augur well for sustained innovation cycles.
• Innovation and Technology: A relentless focus on next-generation therapies—from cell therapy to biologics—continues to strengthen AstraZeneca’s scientific edge.
• ESG Initiatives: The company remains at the forefront of sustainable pharmaceutical production and socially responsible innovation, increasingly prized by institutional asset managers and ESG-focused investors.

The combination of near-term product launches and strategic investments is likely to drive renewed growth—and by extension, renewed interest—across a broad investor base as market participants seek resilient sources of alpha in an evolving global context.

Investment Strategies

Several compelling arguments favour entry from short-, medium-, and long-term perspectives:

• Short-Term: The stock’s proximity to well-established support ($69.70), neutral momentum (RSI), and upcoming product announcements suggest that it may offer an advantageous technical entry for investors seeking rebound potential ahead of major news flow.
• Medium-Term: Pipeline milestones, pending regulatory decisions, and quarterly earnings provide a roadmap of scheduled catalysts that could propel the stock meaningfully higher over the next 6–12 months. Buying during a period of technical consolidation, in anticipation of positive news, has historically been a profitable strategy in large-cap pharma.
• Long-Term: AstraZeneca’s 2030 ambition to reach $80 billion in revenue, its robust position in high-barrier markets, and consistently growing dividend all advocate for inclusion within diversified, long-horizon portfolios. The stock’s low beta and defensive earnings profile enhance its appeal as a cornerstone holding amidst economic and market uncertainty.

For all horizons, current price levels (well supported yet not far from analyst targets) offer an entry point that has historically presaged periods of sustained outperformance—especially when validated by fundamental momentum and technical confirmation.

Is it the Right Time to Buy AstraZeneca?

The evidence points to a stock with fundamentally solid underpinnings, enviable growth prospects, and a clear track record of strategic achievement. Key strengths include:

• Consistent double-digit growth in priority segments and improving profitability;
• A forward valuation not fully reflecting upcoming pipeline and earnings expansion;
• Resilient trading volumes and healthy market liquidity;
• Imminent clinical and regulatory catalysts with potential to re-rate the stock.

While technical signals presently urge some patience, the combination of robust support levels, pipeline visibility, and overwhelmingly positive management commentary signals that AstraZeneca may be entering a renewed phase of bullish momentum. For investors seeking quality exposure to healthcare innovation, sector leadership, and defensive growth, AstraZeneca appears to represent an excellent opportunity at current levels.

In sum, AstraZeneca’s enviable operational execution, deep product pipeline, and attractively aligned valuation metrics justify renewed interest from both growth-oriented and defensive investors. With substantial medium- and long-term upside potential anchored by a unique blend of innovation and financial discipline, AstraZeneca seems particularly well-placed to reward those who prioritise both robustness and momentum in their equity selections—making this a juncture worth watching closely for a strategic portfolio entry.

How to buy AstraZeneca stock in United Kingdom?

Buying AstraZeneca stock online is both straightforward and secure when you use a regulated broker in the UK. Retail investors can choose from two main methods: spot buying allows you to own AstraZeneca shares directly, while CFDs (Contracts for Difference) let you speculate on price movements with leverage—often with lower capital required, but at higher risk. For both approaches, regulated brokers offer robust security features and investor protection, making it easier than ever to access international stocks like AstraZeneca. Curious about which broker suits you best? You’ll find our comprehensive comparison further down the page.

Spot Buying

Spot buying means purchasing AstraZeneca shares directly on the stock market and becoming a shareholder. This method is simple: you pay in full for the shares, which are then held in your account. Typical fees for UK brokers include a fixed commission per trade (often £5–£10 per transaction), plus a possible small platform fee.

Example

If the current AstraZeneca share price is $70.51 (about £56), with a budget of $1,000 (around £795), you could buy approximately 14 AstraZeneca shares, taking into account a £5 brokerage fee.
✔️ Gain scenario:
If AstraZeneca's share price rises by 10%, your holdings would then be worth around $1,100 (£875).
Result: +$100 (or +£80) gross gain, which is a 10% return on your initial investment (excluding currency fluctuations and other potential fees).

Trading via CFD

CFD trading lets you speculate on AstraZeneca’s share price without owning the shares. With CFDs, you can use leverage—amplifying both gains and losses. Instead of a fixed commission, the main costs are the spread (the difference between buy and sell price) and overnight financing fees if you keep positions open longer than a day.

Example

Suppose you open a CFD position on AstraZeneca with £795 ($1,000) and use 5x leverage, giving you market exposure of £3,975 ($5,000).
✔️ Gain scenario:
If AstraZeneca’s share price climbs by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: +£318 ($400) on your £795 ($1,000) margin (excluding spread and overnight fees).

Final Advice

Before investing, it’s essential to compare the different brokers’ fees, platforms, and conditions, as they can make a significant difference to your returns—see our detailed broker comparison further down the page. Ultimately, your preferred method will depend on your investment goals: spot buying suits long-term investors aiming to hold real shares, while CFDs may appeal to those seeking short-term opportunities and leveraged trades. Make sure you pick the approach that aligns with your financial objectives and risk tolerance.

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With eToro, you don't need to be an expert to get started. Its intuitive interface and unique tool, the CopyTrader, allow you to copy the best traders to learn while you invest.
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Deposit is free, and withdrawal is set at $5. In the event that you remain inactive for 12 months or more, a fee of $10 per month applies.
Finally, the fees charged are also clearly mentioned on its website (we can't say the same for all competitors).

Who is eToro for?

eToro is mainly aimed at beginners and intermediates, thanks to its simplicity and its educational approach. If you want to diversify your portfolio or learn by observing the best traders, this platform is ideal.
Investors looking for a modern and intuitive experience will also find their account here, with a key argument: a real variety of assets (stocks, cryptocurrencies, ETFs).

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Our 7 tips for buying AstraZeneca stock

The latest news about AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca posts strong Q1 2025 results with 10% revenue growth and double-digit profit increase. In the first quarter of 2025, AstraZeneca delivered an impressive financial performance with revenues reaching $13.59 billion, representing a 10% year-over-year increase at constant exchange rates. Core operating profit and core earnings per share (EPS) also saw strong growth, increasing by 12% and 21%, respectively, the latter benefitting from a lower tax rate. CEO Pascal Soriot underscored the company's ongoing growth momentum and reaffirmed full-year 2025 guidance, reinforcing confidence in AstraZeneca's ability to progress toward its ambitious $80 billion revenue target by 2030—an outlook that resonates positively for UK investors and the company's domestic presence in Cambridge.

Breakthroughs in late-stage clinical trials boost confidence in AstraZeneca’s innovative pipeline strategy. Over the past week, AstraZeneca reported five successful Phase III clinical trial readouts, including pivotal studies like DESTINYBreast09 for Enhertu, SERENA-6 for camizestrant, and MATTERHORN for Imfinzi. These results further cement the company’s leadership in oncology and bio-pharmaceutical advancements, enhancing its reputation for delivering transformative new medicines. For the UK market, this pipeline strength underscores AstraZeneca’s role as a flagship innovator and helps solidify its export potential, employment base, and scientific stature within the national ecosystem.

AstraZeneca maintains a defensive profile with low volatility and rewarding dividend yield for UK investors. The stock’s 2.20% dividend yield continues to offer an attractive income stream relative to UK and European peers, while its low beta (0.43 over five years) signals defensive characteristics highly valued during periods of market uncertainty. This risk-return profile is particularly appealing to British investors seeking resilient exposure to the healthcare sector, especially considering AstraZeneca’s consistent financial stewardship and strong UK governance from its Cambridge headquarters.

Ongoing investment in research, development, and local employment strengthens AstraZeneca’s UK footprint. AstraZeneca remains committed to its operations and growth in the United Kingdom, with significant headquarters, R&D, and manufacturing capacity centered around Cambridge. The company’s employment of over 94,000 staff globally, much of which is anchored in the UK, continues to support regional skills, technological leadership, and the broader life sciences cluster, providing both economic and social value to local stakeholders and the national economy.

Analysts reaffirm positive long-term outlook, highlighting robust fundamentals despite short-term technical caution. While technical analysis indicates the share is currently below key moving averages—suggesting short-term caution—the stock’s solid year-to-date performance (+7.62%) and healthy price-to-earnings metrics maintain the foundation for a constructive long-term perspective. Expert commentaries and consensus analyst targets reflect expectations for continued growth, particularly as AstraZeneca’s diversified product range and strategic global investments further reinforce its status as a UK-based industry champion with significant upside potential.

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.