AstraZeneca’s Profit Climbs on Strong Sales of Cancer Drugs

AstraZeneca branding.Photographer: Li Ziheng/Xinhua/Getty Images

AstraZeneca Plc’s profit grew more than expected in the first quarter, bolstered by demand for its blockbuster cancer medicines.

Earnings per share rose to $2.58 excluding some items, the British drugmaker said Wednesday, ahead of the $2.55 estimated by analysts.