A record 2021 for AstraZeneca thanks to the proceeds from the anti-Covid vaccine. Although many countries - including Italy - have blocked its administration, the drug has inflated the revenues of the Anglo-Swedish company. In fact, last year ended with revenue growth of 41% to $37,4 billion, a figure that also takes into account vaccine revenues, excluding which, revenue increased by 26%.
Also up sharply core earnings per share, up 32% to $5,29 a share. Reported earnings per share were $0,08 per share, down 97% from 2020 earnings.
As for 2022, AstraZeneca estimates a medium-high increase in profit per core share.
“Growth was well balanced across all of our strategic focus areas,” he commented, Pascal Soriot, managing director of the pharmaceutical company. “We recorded double-digit increases in all major regions, including emerging markets, despite some headwinds in China. Positive news on our pipeline, including the approvals for Evusheld and Tezspire, support the outlook for 2022. This, together with the Alexion acquisition, means we are confident in terms of long-term growth and profitability. After a milestone year in 2021, we will increase the dividend for our shareholders,” concluded the CEO.
After the publication of the accounts, on the London Stock Exchange the title Astrazeneca in fifth place, it rises by 3,3% to 8.640 pounds.
