Founders Financial Alliance LLC Makes New Investment in AstraZeneca PLC $AZN

Founders Financial Alliance LLC bought a new stake in AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 2,759 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $212,000.

Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. NewSquare Capital LLC lifted its position in AstraZeneca by 149.3% during the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 364 shares of the company’s stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 218 shares during the period. Rakuten Investment Management Inc. acquired a new position in AstraZeneca in the third quarter valued at approximately $31,000. FSA Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in AstraZeneca by 376.0% during the 2nd quarter. FSA Wealth Management LLC now owns 476 shares of the company’s stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 376 shares during the period. VSM Wealth Advisory LLC bought a new stake in shares of AstraZeneca during the 2nd quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of AstraZeneca by 144.0% in the 3rd quarter. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. now owns 466 shares of the company’s stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 275 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 20.35% of the company’s stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on AZN shares. Guggenheim reaffirmed a “buy” rating on shares of AstraZeneca in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of AstraZeneca from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Saturday, January 17th. Morgan Stanley restated an “overweight” rating and set a $103.00 price objective on shares of AstraZeneca in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Citigroup initiated coverage on shares of AstraZeneca in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. They issued a “buy” rating on the stock. Finally, HSBC reissued a “buy” rating and set a $108.00 price target on shares of AstraZeneca in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $95.75.

AstraZeneca Stock Down 0.5%

AstraZeneca stock opened at $208.47 on Thursday. AstraZeneca PLC has a twelve month low of $122.48 and a twelve month high of $212.71. The company has a quick ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. The company has a 50 day moving average of $119.74 and a 200-day moving average of $95.74. The stock has a market capitalization of $323.32 billion, a PE ratio of 69.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 0.34.

AstraZeneca Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 23rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 20th will be paid a $1.595 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 20th. This represents a dividend yield of 165.0%. AstraZeneca’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 74.83%.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Cambridge, England. Formed through the 1999 merger of Sweden’s Astra AB and the UK’s Zeneca Group, the company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes prescription medicines across a range of therapeutic areas. AstraZeneca’s operations span research and development, large-scale manufacturing, and commercial distribution, with a presence in developed and emerging markets worldwide.

The company focuses on several core therapy areas including oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism (CVRM), respiratory and immunology, and rare diseases.