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AstraZeneca reported robust first-quarter 2026 earnings, driven by strong demand for its oncology and rare disease treatments, delivering solid revenue growth and beating analyst expectations. The U.K.-based pharmaceutical giant posted total revenue of $15.29 billion, up from $13.59 billion in the same period last year and above the consensus estimate of $14.94 billion. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased 8% year-over-year, highlighting sustained global demand across its core therapeutic areas.
The company’s oncology portfolio remained a key growth engine, with sales rising 16% year-over-year at constant currency to $6.8 billion. This segment now contributes approximately 44% of AstraZeneca’s total revenue, underscoring its strategic importance. Several flagship cancer drugs delivered notable performance, including Imfinzi, which surged 30% to $1.7 billion, and Enhertu, which jumped 34% to $831 million. Tagrisso, another leading lung cancer therapy, also posted growth, increasing 5% to $1.8 billion.
Core earnings per share (EPS), a key profitability metric that excludes one-off items, came in at $2.58, surpassing analyst forecasts of $2.54 and marking a 5% increase at constant currency. Core operating profit rose 12% to $4.25 billion, reflecting improved operational efficiency and continued investment in commercial capabilities. Meanwhile, net profit climbed to $3.08 billion from $2.92 billion a year earlier.
CEO Pascal Soriot emphasized the company’s strong commercial execution and ongoing investments, noting that AstraZeneca is well-positioned for multiple upcoming product launches and clinical readouts in 2026. The company reiterated its full-year guidance, expecting revenue growth in the mid-to-high single-digit range and core EPS growth in the low double digits.
With continued momentum in its oncology pipeline and expanding rare disease portfolio, AstraZeneca remains a major player in the global pharmaceutical market, attracting investor attention as it works toward its long-term growth ambitions through 2030 and beyond.
