I think the AstraZeneca share price could help you get rich and retire early

The AstraZeneca share price looks set to provide investors with impressive total returns in the years ahead says this Fool.

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The AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN) share price stands out as one of the FTSE 100’s top blue-chip shares based on its recent performance. The equity has been one of the best-performing stocks in the index this year.

It’s easy to see why investors have rushed to buy shares in the company.

Astra is leading the world in developing a coronavirus vaccine along with Oxford University. While the treatment is still in its initial stages of development, if the group strikes gold, it could be a tremendous positive for the AstraZeneca share price. 

But this is not the only reason why the share price looks like a great stock to buy today. The company has several other game-changing treatments in its repertoire as well. 

AstraZeneca share price growth 

Over the past five years, Astra’s CEO, Pascal Soriot, has overhauled the way the company does business. He and his team have raised funds with licensing deals while investing billions in research and development. 

This focus on research is paying off handsomely. Astra has focused its efforts on the field of oncology, or treating cancer. Its most successful treatments in this field are Tagrisso, the group’s flagship lung cancer treatment, and Lynparza, initially approved as an ovarian cancer drug. Sales of the former are expected to hit $6.9bn in 2026 while sales of the latter could hit $4.7bn in the same time frame. 

This growth has supported the AstraZeneca share price. With a whole range of new treatments in the pipeline for the years ahead, it looks as if the growth can continue. 

Long-term growth 

All of the above is great news for shareholders. Rising treatment sales mean Astra has more cash to reinvest, which should help underpin earnings growth for years to come.

As earnings expand, the AstraZeneca share price should follow suit. 

And with the demand for healthcare only set to grow over the long term, Astra may have extremely bright prospects as a long-term investment. It already has a reputation as a FTSE 100 dividend champion.

The stock currently supports a dividend yield of 2.6%. That’s below the FTSE 100 average, but there’s plenty of scope for dividend growth in the years ahead. Especially with earnings per share projected to grow at a high single-digit percentage every year until the middle of the next decade. 

The bottom line 

All in all, if you’re looking for a stock to help you get rich and retire early, it could be worth considering buying the AstraZeneca share price today as part of a diversified portfolio.

The stock offers the perfect blend of capital growth and income. It could yield high total returns for investors for many years to come as it capitalises on the growing demand for healthcare around the world. A healthy balance sheet should also help support the company’s expansion in the years ahead. 

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Rupert Hargreaves has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

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