There has been a steady flow of positive drug news from AZN over the last few months which has gone unnoticed by the covid obsessed market. Furthermore, their vaccine approval is imminent. I am expecting my Christmas present from AZN anytime soon.
"My summary is good company and wrong timing to invest."
Over a very short time scale that may be true, but on a scale of anything more than a year it is VERY hard to lose with AZN. You will likely be at least even by the end of January. Just don't sell too soon. The market has already priced in the downside (aka debt) of the potential deal but not yet realised the enormous upside.
"that's why I bailed out"
There are a few shares that I would not like to be out of - it's too easy to miss the subsequent rise. And AZN is one of those (ULVR is another). What's worked for me and always keep my average comfortably below the current price is to top up on the dips and hold!
"Take the div and stop looking at the sp every day. Can't go far wrong with big pharma which ever one it is."
Agree with that. I'm constantly averaging up (average now about £67) and am quids in! That's not even taking into account all the dividends received over the years.
" the current bad press is more about money than science"
Yes, it's definitely all about the money. But I can't complain as the critics have given be the opportunity to top up at prices I thought I'd missed. Currently sitting on an investment of well into six figures at an average of about £67 and looking forward to the future gains when the truth sinks in with the market. And don't forget, AZN is not all about the vaccine, it's just another string to its bow.
Development is all about trial an error and the results are the bottom line. AZN have developed an inexpensive and practical vaccine. Their excellent results are a worry to some but in the end this vaccine will get rolled out.
Reckon it must be the subject of 5th November's RNS that driving up the price today:
FTSE Russell notes the approval of the UK High court on 02 November 2020 for the Unification of the Unilever Group to be effected through a cross-border merger between Unilever Plc (UK, B10RZP7, Global Large Cap, FTSE 100) and Unilever NV (Netherlands, B1527V7, Global Large Cap). Shareholders in Unilever NV will receive one share in Unilever Plc for each share held. As a reminder, FTSE Russell intends to implement the Unification as follows:
Wednesday 25 November 2020 (at market close): ...
"There is lobbying going on from ex Phizer presidents etc discrediting the results and people saying the 90% number has been inflated."
Sounds like Pfizer are very worried about the cheaper and more practical solution offered by AZN. Doubt those ex-presidents are complaining out of the kindness of their hearts!
"Have the market men misunderstood the positive enormity of the RNS?"
Not really, just trying to get in at a cheaper price, but I don't think it will wash. This will be well into to blue by the afternoon.