10 Best FTSE Dividend Stocks To Buy Now

2. AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN)

Dividend Yield as of January 3: 2.24%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42

AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing and marketing prescription medicines. The company offers a wide range of products, including treatments for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and rare conditions. AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) is one of the best FTSE dividend stocks to consider.

In Q3, total revenue jumped 21% given the strong global demand for AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN)’s medicines, and core EPS increased 27% to $2.08. For the year so far, revenue is up 19%, and core EPS grew 11%. Every therapy area delivered double-digit growth, so the company has raised its full-year forecast, expecting high-teens growth for both revenue and EPS.

Globally, AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) is seeing robust growth, especially in emerging markets outside China, which grew 30% year-to-date. Revenue is well-distributed – 43% from the US, 21% from Europe, and 14% from emerging markets outside China. To boost its US presence, the company is investing $3.5 billion in manufacturing and R&D, which is part of its 2030 growth plan. Moreover, net debt grew by $3.8 billion, driven largely by this year’s acquisitions and $4.6 billion in dividend payouts.

AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) was found in 42 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2024, compared to 49 in the earlier quarter. Ken Fisher’s Fisher Asset Management was the leading stakeholder of the company, with roughly 10.5 million shares worth $816.5 million.