The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Microsoft, AstraZeneca and BlackRock, Taylor Devices and Geospace Technologies

Citi highlights AstraZeneca's accelerated FDA approval for Etcamah (camizestrant) as a positive for its shares. The drug, for metastatic breast cancer, was approved with a CDK4/6 inhibitor. Citi expects $450M from SERENA-6, down to $112M risk-adjusted, and a $6B opportunity from SERENA-4. A failure would still leave a $1.5B opportunity.

The FDA approved AstraZeneca's oral SERD for certain breast cancer patients, despite a negative advisory committee vote. This is an accelerated approval, indicating the drug's potential benefit.

Microsoft (MSFT) reported $90.01B revenue, up 17.75%, with Azure growing 43% and a $678B contracted backlog. Analysts set a $604.89 price target, 22.08% upside, citing AI and cloud growth. CFO Amy Hood noted demand exceeds supply, guiding 45% Azure growth. MSFT's P/E of 28 sits between Alphabet (15) and Amazon (35).

AstraZeneca AZN received FDA approval for Etcamah, a breast cancer therapy, in combination with CDK4/6 inhibitors from Pfizer PFE, Novartis NVS, and Eli Lilly LLY. The approval, supported by the SERENA-6 study, shows a 56% reduction in disease progression or death. This is AstraZeneca's 10th FDA approval this year and its fourth for breast cancer. The FDA also approved a companion diagnostic test by Guardant Health.

The FDA approved AstraZeneca's Etcamah combo for advanced breast cancer with ESR1 mutations. The approval is based on the SERENA-6 trial, showing a 56% reduction in disease progression or death risk. Median progression-free survival was 16.0 months vs. 9.2 months. The FDA also approved a companion diagnostic for detecting ESR1 mutations. AstraZeneca's Dave Fredrickson highlighted the approval as the company's fourth in breast cancer this year.

The Seattle Times and Newsday sued OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging unauthorized use of their content to train AI products like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. The publishers seek damages and destruction of AI models using their work, claiming it reduces traffic and subscriptions. OpenAI and Microsoft deny wrongdoing, citing fair use and openness to discussions.