1143 GMT - AstraZeneca is among the most mentioned companies across news items over the past six hours, according to Factiva data. The Anglo-Swedish pharmaceuticals major reported fourth-quarter core earnings per share below consensus expectations due to higher costs, including investment in research and development, and lower-margin sales in emerging markets representing a bigger contribution. The group also issued guidance for double-digit percentage revenue and earnings growth for 2024--which analysts said was conservative and within consensus expectations--as it remained optimistic about its pipeline. Shares in the heaviest constituent of the FTSE 100 index--and its bigger faller on Thursday--shed around 6% in London, as the earnings miss "in the places that matter", according to Deutsche Bank Research, and weak product mix disappointed the market. Dow Jones & Co. owns Factiva. (elena.vardon@wsj.com)


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

02-08-24 0658ET