Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results 2008

Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results 2008

Sales for the full year increased by 3 percent at CER; Core operating profit
increased by 9 percent at CER. 

-Core operating margin improved to 34.7 percent of sales on operational
efficiencies.

Sales in Emerging Markets reached $4,273 million for the full year, a 16 percent
increase at CER.

Core EPS for the full year increased by 8 percent at constant exchange rates
(CER) to $5.10, in line with the Company's guidance.

Growth in Reported EPS for the full year, 2 percent at CER, was lower than Core
EPS growth rate.

-Reflects higher intangible impairments and a full year of MedImmune
amortisation compared with 2007.

New initiatives extend the scope of restructuring programme to sustain long-term
competitiveness.

-When fully implemented, annual benefits anticipated to reach $2.5 billion, up
from $1.4 billion.

Continued progress on the pipeline; up to four new compounds planned for
regulatory filing in 2009.

Dividend increased by 10 percent to $2.05 for the full year.

Net debt reduced by $1.9 billion on strong cash performance and investment
discipline.

-No share repurchases will take place in 2009 in order to maintain the
flexibility to invest in the business.
Financial Summary
[Se PDF for table]

* Core financial measures are supplemental non-GAAP measures which management
believe useful to understanding the Company's performance; it is upon these
measures that financial guidance for 2009 is based. See page 9 for a definition
of Core financial measures and pages 9 and 10 for a reconciliation of Core to
Reported financial measures.

David Brennan, Chief Executive Officer, said:  “AstraZeneca has delivered a
robust performance in an increasingly challenging market
environment. I am particularly pleased with our continued success in globalising
our business, as shown by our strong performance in Emerging Markets.  We are
also making good headway in further improving the efficiency of our
organisation.  The expansion in the scope of our restructuring efforts is
another important step towards sustaining our long-term competitiveness.”

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                 (London)
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                 Anne-Charlotte Knutsson    (8) 553 213 75
                 (Södertälje)
Analyst/Investor Karl Hard/James Mead       (020) 7304 5322/5084
Enquiries        (London)
                 Jonathan Hunt (London)     (020) 7304 5087
                 Ed Seage/Jörgen Winroth    (302) 886 4065/(212) 579
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