AstraZeneca Profit Beats Estimates on Cancer, Diabetes Drugs

AstraZeneca Plc’s profit rose more than analysts anticipated last quarter, buoyed by demand for its blockbuster cancer and diabetes drugs.

Earnings per share, excluding some items, climbed 14% to $2.38, the UK drugmaker said Thursday, above the $2.30 expected by analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. Sales grew to $15.2 billion, also exceeding estimates. The company reiterated its guidance for the year even though some analysts had forecast a raise.