AstraZeneca plc (ADR) (AZN) Faces “Tremendous Operational Challenges”

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Speaking ahead of last month’s Investor Day briefing, Soriot laid out his vision:

AstraZeneca plc (ADR) (NYSE:AZN) is committed to delivering great medicines to patients through innovative science and excellence in development and commercialization  Our vision is clear — to be a global biopharmaceutical company with a focused portfolio in core therapy areas. We see no case for diversification.

I’m confident that we have set out on the right path to return to growth and achieve scientific leadership, and I’m equally confident that our people possess the talent, determination and focus to deliver for patients as well as our shareholders.

The company will report its first-quarter results this Thursday. With a market cap of 42 billion pounds, AstraZeneca plc (ADR) (NYSE:AZN) trades at around 9.5 times expected earnings and on an impressive prospective dividend yield of 5.6%.

While that yield might appear attractive, there aren’t many global companies whose dividend can match the long-term stability or visibility laid out by “The Motley Fool’s Top Income Stock For 2013.

The article AstraZeneca Faces “Tremendous Operational Challenges” originally appeared on Fool.com.

Mark Rogers has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

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