Bristol Myers Squibb Investors Might Question Potential AstraZeneca Deal -- Market Talk

1104 GMT - Bristol Myers Squibb investors might question the timing of a potential tie-up between the U.S. drugmaker and U.K. rival AstraZeneca, Bank of America analysts say in a research note. AstraZeneca declined to comment after the Financial Times reported on the talks, while BMS didn't respond to a request for comment. BMS's valuation and potential cost savings might attract AstraZeneca, the analysts say. BMS is trading at a low valuation as it heads into a patent cliff, with two drugs that together represent nearly half of its sales due to lose patent protection, they add. Investors in BMS might view the timing as odd given that the company is expected to release results on three drug trials that could significantly change its valuation, according to Bank of America. AstraZeneca shares fall 5.1%. BMS rises 5.8% in U.S. premarket trading. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

August 03, 2026 07:04 ET (11:04 GMT)