Astra Zeneca maintains its 2015 interim dividend at $0.90

DividendMax Ltd.

Astra Zeneca maintains its 2015 interim dividend at $0.90

Total H1 Revenue up 1%; Core Gross margin over 83%, up 1% point

Robust top-line performance, supported by externalisation, underpins accelerated investment in R&D to progress pipeline, up 24% in H1

Core SG&A efficiency programme - early progress: Core SG&A 35% of Q2 Total Revenue (Q4 2014: 44%)

- Sales & marketing effectiveness, centralisation of functions, process improvements, third-party spend, further efficiencies across support areas, footprint optimisation

Core H1 EPS stable, up 3% in Q2, enhanced by one-off tax benefit

FY 2015 Total Revenue guidance at CER improved: Now expected to decline by low single-digit percent (prior guidance - mid single-digit). Core EPS guidance at CER is unchanged: Expected to increase by low single-digit percent, reflecting the continued accelerated investment in R&D

The Board recommends an unchanged first interim dividend of $0.90

H1 Commercial Highlights

Growth platforms grew by 11%, representing 56% of Total Revenue:

1. Brilinta/Brilique: +42%. Achieved 10% new-to-brand prescription market share in the US

2. Diabetes: +32%, including 88% sales growth in Emerging Markets

3. Respiratory: +9%, ahead of market growth. Q2 sales up 11%

4. Emerging Markets: +14%. China sales growth of +19%

5. Japan: +2%, with Q2 sales growth of +6%

Companies mentioned