13 Best Foreign Dividend Stocks To Buy According to Analysts

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7. AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN)

Dividend Yield as of February 12: 2.09%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42

Average Upside Potential: 24.92%

British pharma giant AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) is placed 7th on our list of the best dividend stocks for an income portfolio. The company develops prescription medicines for cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, oncology, and rare diseases. On February 12, BofA reiterated its Buy rating on the stock with a price target of £145. The firm’s positive stance is based on AZN’s valuation, which is considered attractive at approximately 14 times its projected 2026 earnings per share. BofA anticipates a potential rerating of the stock to 18 times its estimated 2026 P/E, driven by a mid-term guidance suggesting a high-single-digit compound annual growth rate for sales.

AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) saw its net cash flow from operating activities rise by $1.5 billion in 2024. Capital expenditures reached $2.2 billion, aligning with the projected 50% increase compared to 2023. The company also expanded through strategic acquisitions, including Amolyt, Icosavax, and Fusion, while making nearly $7 billion in total debt payments. Additionally, the company raised its 2024 dividend to $3.10 per share and plans another increase to $3.20 in 2025. Looking ahead, the company expects total revenue to grow at a high single-digit rate in 2025, with core EPS projected to rise by a low double-digit percentage, supported by strong growth momentum despite some challenges.

According to Insider Monkey’s data, AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) was owned by 42 hedge funds in Q3 2024, down from 49 funds in the previous quarter.

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