Half Year Report AstraZeneca

8/3/1999 4:05 AM EST

AstraZeneca PLC
Half Year Results 1999

'Strong sales and profits growth in Healthcare'
Financial Highlights
§
Statutory Pro Forma Basis
Basis
st st st
1 Half 1 Half 1 Half Constant
1999 1999 1998 Currency
$m $m $m % %
Sales:
Group 9,043 9,043 8,096 + 12 + 12
Healthcare 7,382 7,382 6,360 + 16 + 16
Operating Profit:
Group 2,103 2,091 1,938 + 8 + 9
Healthcare 1,834 1,822 1,610 + 13 + 13
Profit before Tax 2,092 2,059 1,934 + 6 + 7
Earnings per Share $0.83 $0.81 $0.75 + 8 n/a

All narrative in this report refers to pro forma growth rates.
Tom McKillop, Chief Executive, said: "AstraZeneca has made an excellent start
with strong sales and profit growth in healthcare. Integration is progressing
well and we look forward to the future with great confidence."

*Healthcare sales up 16 per cent; US Healthcare sales up 17 per cent

*Healthcare operating profit up 13 per cent

*Agrochemicals sales down 5 per cent

*Specialties sold for $2 billion (H1 99 operating profit: $71 million)

*First interim dividend of $0.23 per Ordinary Share (14.2 pence per share,
SEK 1.89 per share)

*New dividend policy including planned share repurchase programme


st st
1 Half 1 Half
1999 1998 $m Reported %
$m
Profit before Tax 1,342 2,089 - 36
Earnings per Share $0.47 $0.81 - 42
(FRS3)

§Pro forma Basis: see basis of calculation description in Note 2.
n/a = not applicable
London, 3 August 1999

Media Enquiries:
Steve Brown/Lucy Williams (London) (0171) 304 5033/5034

Mikael Widell/Staffan Ternby (Stockholm) (8) 553 26428/26107

Rachel Bloom (Wilmington) (302) 886 7858

Analyst/Investor Enquiries:
Elizabeth Sutton/Michael Olsson (London) (0171) 304 5101/5087

Staffan Ternby (Stockholm) (8) 553 26107

Ed Seage (Wilmington) (302) 886 4065

Jörgen Winroth (Wayne) (609) 896 4148