What Makes AstraZeneca (AZN) a Strong Growing Company?

Core Insights - Oakmark International Fund's fourth-quarter 2025 investor letter highlights a return of 4.83%, underperforming the MSCI World ex USA Index's gain of 5.20% [1] - The fund's top contributors were in the healthcare and financial sectors, while consumer staples detracted from performance [1] Company Analysis: AstraZeneca PLC - AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a market capitalization of $298.709 billion, focusing on prescription medicines for various diseases [2][3] - The stock closed at $96.34 on January 14, 2026, with a one-month return of 6.32% and a 52-week gain of 43.98% [2] - The company is recognized for its strong on-market portfolio and a leading late-stage pipeline, which are expected to drive growth [3] - CEO Pascal Soriot is noted for his exceptional leadership and innovative culture within the company, contributing to its robust R&D capabilities [3] Investment Sentiment - Despite AstraZeneca's potential, it is not among the top 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 54 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q3, an increase from 48 in the previous quarter [4] - The company faces challenges due to regulatory concerns in the U.S., which have affected its stock price, creating a buying opportunity for investors [3]