British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca (AZN) is one step closer to its strategic shift towards the U.S., its largest market. On Monday, the company won the backing of the majority of its shareholders to list directly on the New York Stock Exchange.
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According to AstraZeneca, 99.36% of votes cast during its meeting on Monday were in favor of the move. The backing means that AstraZeneca’s American Depositary Receipt (ADR) — which is how U.S. investors have gained exposure to the company so far — will be replaced by the company’s ordinary shares.
Ordinary shares represent a company’s equity and typically carry voting rights. They also offer local market advantages and generally attract lower fees compared to ADRs.
The overwhelming support for AstraZeneca’s direct listing in the U.S. means its listing structures in London, Stockholm, and New York will be harmonized. The pivot will also enable the Big Pharma company to “access the broadest available pool of capital, including in the U.S.,” noted Michel Demaré, the company’s chair.
AstraZeneca plans to begin trading in its ordinary shares on February 2. However, it will continue to maintain its primary listing in London, with its headquarters in Cambridge.
AstraZeneca Deepens U.S. Ties
In addition to being AstraZeneca’s largest market, the U.S. alone accounts for more than 40% of AstraZeneca’s revenue. The country is, therefore, central to the Big Pharma company’s plans.
Already, AstraZeneca has unfolded plans to spend $50 billion to ramp up its drug production in the U.S. while also committing more resources to research and development. In mid-October, the company broke ground on its $4.5 billion facility in Virginia — its largest facility globally, according to the company.
AstraZeneca is one of only three pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. that have so far secured a discounted drug arrangement with the Trump administration in exchange for tariff relief. The others include its key rival Pfizer (PFE) and German science, pharma, and tech company Merck KGaA (DE:MRK).
Is AstraZeneca a Buy or Sell?
On Wall Street, AstraZeneca’s shares currently have a Strong Buy consensus rating, according to TipRanks. This is based on five Buys issued by analysts over the past three months.
Moreover, the average AZN price target of $94.50 indicates about 16% upside from the current level.
