A merger between Astra of Sweden and Zeneca of the United Kingdom formed AstraZeneca in 1999. The firm sells branded drugs across a number of major therapeutic areas, including oncology (over 40% of total revenue), cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic (over 20%), rare disease (16%), and respiratory and immunology (15%). The majority of sales comes from international markets, with the United States representing close to one-third of its sales.
The chart shows the growth of an initial investment of $10,000 in AstraZeneca PLC, comparing it to the performance of the S&P 500 index. All prices have been adjusted for splits and dividends.
Returns By Period
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) has returned 120.25% so far this year and 214.12% over the past 12 months. Looking at the last ten years, AZN has achieved an annualized return of 21.60%, outperforming the Benchmark (SPY), which averaged 12.23% per year.
AZN
1M2.05%
6M137.89%
YTD120.25%
1Y214.12%
5Y32.50%
10Y21.60%
Benchmark (SPY)
1M-3.85%
6M-2.35%
YTD-4.36%
1Y34.06%
5Y9.80%
10Y12.23%
Monthly Returns
The table below presents the monthly returns of AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) with color gradation from worst to best to easily spot seasonal factors.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2026
0.41%
11.17%
-4.09%
2.31%
2025
7.20%
8.48%
-3.60%
-2.99%
3.91%
-2.35%
4.25%
8.63%
-3.93%
1.68%
13.10%
-1.08%
2024
-0.30%
-3.10%
5.30%
11.26%
2.20%
-0.65%
1.85%
10.01%
-10.63%
-8.75%
-5.64%
-2.98%
2023
-4.78%
1.15%
6.52%
5.31%
-0.37%
-0.98%
6.87%
-4.92%
-0.99%
-5.51%
2.12%
4.27%
2022
-0.10%
6.16%
6.60%
1.02%
0.79%
-0.68%
3.32%
-6.22%
-10.67%
6.79%
13.47%
-1.02%
2021
-0.63%
-5.61%
2.60%
6.97%
6.37%
4.83%
-4.39%
2.16%
2.25%
5.21%
-11.83%
5.15%
2020
-3.18%
-9.91%
0.47%
19.50%
4.94%
-2.63%
5.58%
-1.20%
-1.88%
-9.13%
4.89%
-5.79%
2019
-3.02%
13.61%
-2.84%
-9.12%
-0.35%
8.52%
4.23%
3.35%
-1.31%
11.36%
-1.48%
2.45%
2018
-0.51%
-5.58%
4.89%
1.83%
3.75%
-4.38%
13.35%
-0.90%
4.60%
-2.05%
3.51%
-4.93%
2017
-1.09%
7.10%
7.34%
-2.58%
13.42%
-1.87%
-10.82%
-1.97%
12.22%
1.92%
-4.72%
5.79%
2016
4.36%
2.03%
2.83%
13.08%
-2.53%
1.51%
-13.82%
-7.47%
4.24%
Performance Indicators
The charts below present risk-adjusted performance metrics for AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) and compare them to a Benchmark (SPY). These indicators evaluate an investment's returns against its associated risks.
Sharpe ratio
Sortino ratio
Omega ratio
Calmar ratio
Martin ratio
sharpe ratio
The Sharpe ratio helps investors understand how much return they're getting for the level of risk taken. A higher Sharpe ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance, meaning more reward for each unit of risk.
These values reflect how efficiently the investment has delivered returns relative to its volatility over different time periods. All figures are annualized and based on daily total returns.
The chart below shows the rolling Sharpe ratio of AZN compared to the benchmark. This view highlights how the investment's risk-adjusted performance has changed over time.
Volatility Chart
The current AstraZeneca PLC volatility is 1.55%, representing the standart deviation of percentage change in the investments's value, either up or down over the past month. The chart below shows the rolling one-month volatility.
Drawdowns Chart
The Drawdowns chart displays portfolio losses from any high point along the way. It shows the maximum percentage drop from a peak to a trough over a specified period, indicating the risk of significant losses. Although chart shows positive values, it represents the percentage drop from the peak, so a value of 10% means the portfolio has dropped 10% from its highest point.
Q1 2026 saw the highest percentage of dividend increase announcements since 2019 at 45%, reflecting boardroom optimism despite macroeconomic uncertainty. However, a significant divide emerged: mega-cap companies (60%+ increase rate) aggressively hiked payouts, while small-cap firms remained cautious with only 38% increases. Regional divergence also appeared, with Asia-Pacific and Oceania experiencing broader dividend cuts.
Investing.com•Christine Short
AI Insight
Listed among industry titans with significant dividend increases, demonstrating financial strength and positive outlook for 2026.
The Trump administration is preparing to announce 100% tariffs on pharmaceutical companies that haven't secured pricing deals with the White House, potentially as soon as Thursday. The tariffs stem from a Section 232 investigation citing national security grounds. Major drugmakers including Pfizer, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, and Johnson & Johnson have already secured three-year reprieves by agreeing to most-favored-nation pricing. The tariff threat is part of a broader pricing strategy that includes the TrumpRx.gov platform for comparing discounted drug prices.
Benzinga•Tanya Rawat
AI Insight
Secured a three-year reprieve by agreeing to most-favored-nation pricing, avoiding tariff penalties
Keymed Biosciences achieved a major windfall by spinning off its immunotherapy drug into a separate company (Ouro Medicines) that was subsequently acquired by Gilead Sciences for up to $2.175 billion. Keymed stands to receive approximately $320 million in total proceeds while retaining royalty rights. The transaction marks the first complete NewCo cycle exit by a Chinese drugmaker and demonstrates the effectiveness of this globalization strategy for Chinese biotech companies.
Benzinga•Bamboo Works
AI Insight
Licensed Keymed's ADC pipeline and received a $45 million milestone payment in February 2026 after entering Phase Three trials for gastric cancer treatment, demonstrating progress in the collaboration.
Over 120 pharmaceutical companies are actively developing 140+ pipeline drugs for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with approximately 30+ drugs in mid-stage development and 85+ in early stages. Key players include Roche, Biogen, Novartis, AbbVie, and Johnson & Johnson, with promising therapies targeting various mechanisms such as B cell inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and TLR antagonists. Recent regulatory milestones include FDA Fast Track designation for nipocalimab and Breakthrough Therapy Designation for litifilimab.
GlobeNewswire Inc.•Delveinsight
AI Insight
AstraZeneca's Saphnelo (anifrolumab) showed positive high-level results from Phase III TULIP-SC trial in September 2025, demonstrating statistically significant reduction in disease activity.
AstraZeneca reported mixed results from its Phase 3 trials. The efzimfotase alfa drug met primary endpoints in pediatric HPP patients but failed to achieve statistical significance in adult patients due to strong placebo responses. However, the company's tozorakimab COPD trials met primary endpoints in both former and current smokers. AZN stock was up 1.20% at $196.21.
Benzinga•Vandana Singh
AI Insight
While the adult HPP trial showed mixed results, the pediatric HPP trial met its primary endpoint with clinically meaningful improvements, and the separate tozorakimab COPD trials met primary endpoints in both populations. The stock price increased 1.20%, reflecting overall positive market reception despite the mixed data.
The global bile duct cancer market is projected to expand from $2.59 billion in 2025 to $3.89 billion by 2030, growing at an 8.4% CAGR. Growth is driven by advancements in early diagnostics, increased adoption of immunotherapy and targeted therapies, AI-assisted diagnostics, and rising prevalence of liver diseases. Major pharmaceutical companies are introducing innovative treatments and forming strategic partnerships to enhance patient outcomes.
GlobeNewswire Inc.•Researchandmarkets.Com
AI Insight
Key market player positioned to benefit from increased investment in precision oncology research and rising adoption of immunotherapy treatments.
The global esophageal cancer market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% from $1.65 billion in 2026 to $2.37 billion by 2030, driven by advancements in precision oncology, immunotherapies, and minimally invasive procedures. Major pharmaceutical companies including Pfizer, Roche, and Merck are leading the market through product innovation and personalized cancer care solutions.
GlobeNewswire Inc.•Researchandmarkets.Com
AI Insight
Included among major companies participating in the growing esophageal cancer treatment market.
IEFA and EEM are two international ETFs with distinct characteristics. IEFA targets developed markets with a low 0.07% expense ratio, higher 3.6% dividend yield, and lower risk (30.41% max drawdown), making it suitable for income-focused and risk-averse investors. EEM focuses on emerging markets with higher growth potential, delivering 26.2% returns over the past year versus IEFA's 14.5%, but carries a higher 0.72% expense ratio and greater volatility (37.82% max drawdown).
The Motley Fool•Jake Lerch
AI Insight
Mentioned as a top IEFA holding in the healthcare/pharmaceuticals sector, representing developed market stability without explicit positive or negative commentary.
AstraZeneca released positive Phase 3 trial data for tozorakimab in COPD patients, showing the drug reduced moderate-to-severe exacerbations compared to placebo and met primary endpoints across broad patient groups. The stock gained 3.68% in premarket trading. The company forecasts peak annual sales of $3-5 billion for the drug, positioning it competitively in the COPD market against rivals like Regeneron and Sanofi's Dupixent.
Benzinga•Vandana Singh
AI Insight
Positive Phase 3 trial data for tozorakimab in COPD with primary endpoints achieved across broad patient populations, favorable safety profile, and significant market opportunity with $3-5 billion peak sales forecast. Stock gained 3.68% on the news.
Abivax CEO Marc de Garidel downplayed acquisition rumors and indicated the company plans to pursue equity and debt financing after releasing key Phase 3 trial data for obefazimod in late Q2 2026. With $614.42 million in cash providing runway into Q4 2027, the French biotech aims to strengthen its financial position ahead of potential FDA approval and commercialization, while seeking commercial partners for markets outside the U.S.
Benzinga•Vandana Singh
AI Insight
Recently emerged as a potential acquirer but rebuffed media reports. Abivax's resistance to sale discussions further diminishes acquisition prospects, though this has minimal direct impact on AstraZeneca's business.