Core Viewpoint - AstraZeneca PLC is reaffirmed as a top pick by Citi, supported by strong full-year results and 2026 guidance, with a target price of £170 and unchanged earnings forecasts [1][5] Financial Performance - Management expects low double-digit earnings growth in 2026, consistent with consensus, while the revenue outlook is projected in the medium single- to high single-digit range, surpassing market forecasts [1] - Fourth-quarter operating income was 8% below consensus due to a one-off royalty buyout, but management's reaffirmation of a mid-30s margin target alleviated concerns [2] Pipeline and Milestones - AstraZeneca's pipeline is noted as the strongest in the sector, with over 20 phase III readouts anticipated in 2026 [2] - Key milestones include: - Tozorakimab for COPD in Q1 - Efzofitimod for hypophosphatasia in Q2 - Wainua in ATTR-CM and camizestrant in breast cancer in Q3 - Datopotamab in lung cancer in the second half of the year [3] Market Performance - In afternoon trading, AstraZeneca shares increased by 1.2% to 14,340p [4]

Core Insights - AstraZeneca's asthma drug Fasenra failed to control acute exacerbations in a late-stage study for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, marking a setback for the company's efforts in addressing this serious lung condition [1] - Fasenra is AstraZeneca's second-best-selling respiratory and immunology drug, with sales reaching $920 million in the first half of 2025, an 18% year-over-year increase [1] - The study participants were current or former smokers with a history of at least two acute exacerbations in the past year, and Fasenra did not meet the primary endpoint compared to placebo [1] - AstraZeneca plans to analyze the complete study data to better understand the results [1] Additional Developments - AstraZeneca's executive Sharon Barr emphasized the complexity and heterogeneity of COPD, stating the company will continue to advance other promising solutions in its pipeline to meet unmet patient needs [2] - The company has other COPD treatments, including the three-in-one inhaler Breztri Aerosphere and the investigational drug tozorakimab [2] - AstraZeneca announced that its rare disease drug Saphnelo successfully met its primary endpoint in a late-stage clinical trial, significantly reducing the activity of systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease [2]