BMY surged roughly 6% in premarket trading on the news before fading; the stock is now trading near flat. The asymmetric price reaction captures the market's immediate verdict: AZN shareholders see a value-destructive deal, while BMY holders see a potential premium exit. Why AstraZeneca Would Consider ItThe strategic logic for AstraZeneca, at first glance, centers on its persistent underrepresentation in the United States. AstraZeneca only completed a direct NYSE listing earlier in 2026, underscoring how recently it has been building a domestic US profile. The company posted a Q2 2026 EPS of $2.04 against a $1.61 consensus forecast, a 26.71% beat, alongside revenue of $12.97 billion versus $11.71 billion expected.