AZN Impresses With Q4 Results, Guidance And Dividend Hike
AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) reported its Q4 non-GAAP EPS at $1.42, exceeding the Street view of $1.52. AZN’s revenues for the quarter came at $8.95 billion, as compared to the consensus of $8.85 billion.
The company forecasted its EPS for 2010 at $5.75-$6.15, versus the consensus expectations of $6.04. AZN expects its sales to be affected in 2010 by the loss of market exclusivity for Arimidex and Pulmicort Respules in the US. AXN expects a decline of up to mid single-digits in revenues in 2010 on a constant currency basis. For the next five years, AZN expects its sales in the range of $28-$34 billion per year.
AstraZeneca has recommended a 14% hike in its second interim dividend to $1.71 to be paid on March 15, 2010. This drives AZN’s full-year dividend to $2.30, reflecting a 12% increase.
For 2010, AZN has announced a stock buyback of up to $1B of shares. The company’s shares have slipped by 4.83% to $47.24.
