AstraZeneca (AZN, Financial), which is based in the United Kingdom, is a global pharmaceutical company with strengths in treatment for cancer and respiratory, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases. The share price has been under pressure due to recent and upcoming patent expirations for major drugs. Despite this headwind, the long-term growth outlook is favorable because of the company’s robust new drug pipeline, particularly in oncology. AstraZeneca has an attractive position in the revolutionary field of cancer immunotherapy, which harnesses the disease -fighting capabilities of the body’s immune system to reduce and potentially eliminate cancer tumors. With a 4.6% dividend yield, the current valuation is reasonable and does not appear to reflect the potential success of the immunotherapy drug pipeline.
From Dodge & Cox's Global Stock Fund 4th quarter 2016 shareholder letter.
