AstraZeneca profit jumps as cancer drug sales grow
AstraZeneca Reports 45% Surge in Profit, Driven by Cancer Drug Sales
British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca announced on Tuesday that its net profit rose by 45 percent in 2025, largely attributed to robust sales of cancer medications. The profit after tax increased to $10.2 billion, up from $7.0 billion in the previous year, according to a company statement.
Revenue for the year reached $58.7 billion, reflecting a nine percent increase driven by the strong performance of its cancer drug portfolio.
“In 2025, we saw strong commercial performance across our therapy areas and excellent pipeline delivery,” Chief Executive Pascal Soriot said in the earnings statement. He also expressed confidence that the company’s momentum would continue into 2026.
During a media briefing, Soriot stated he was “very confident” that AstraZeneca would meet its target of $80 billion in annual revenue by the end of the decade. Following this announcement, AstraZeneca’s shares experienced a one percent increase during midday trading on the London Stock Exchange, even as the broader FTSE 100 index declined.
AstraZeneca’s recent focus has been on expanding its presence in the United States and China, its two largest markets. Last month, the company announced plans to invest $15 billion in China over the next several years to bolster its manufacturing and research capabilities. This initiative coincided with a visit from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Beijing, where AstraZeneca also disclosed a collaboration with CSPC Pharmaceutical to develop and market popular weight-loss injections.
The company aims for the US market to account for half of its global revenue by 2030, building on a strong foundation where the US currently represents 43 percent of total revenue. To further enhance its visibility, AstraZeneca began direct listing its shares on the New York Stock Exchange in February, although it will maintain its primary listing in London and its headquarters in the UK.
In response to potential trade challenges, AstraZeneca revealed plans to invest $50 billion in US manufacturing and research operations by 2030. This move follows agreements made with the Trump administration to secure lower drug prices and delay tariffs on pharmaceutical imports. The pharmaceutical industry remains a key focus for tariffs as the administration pressures companies to relocate operations to the United States.
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