Alkermes Plc (ALKS)vsAstraZeneca PLC (AZN)
ALKS
Alkermes Plc
$45.97
-0.30%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $7.63B
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$160.17
+2.23%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $252.33B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 3580% more annual revenue ($61.37B vs $1.67B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs 4.0%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.28. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
ALKS
Hold46
out of 100
Grade: D+
AZN
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+54.4%
Fair Value
$76.49
Current Price
$45.97
$30.52 discount
Margin of Safety
+18.4%
Fair Value
$196.10
Current Price
$160.17
$35.93 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 27.0% year-over-year
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 23.5%
Generating 2.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.0% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 99.4%
2.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALKS
The strongest argument for ALKS centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 27.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : AZN
The strongest argument for AZN centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.0% and operating margin at 23.5%. PEG of 1.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ALKS
The primary concerns for ALKS are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 119.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALKS profiles as a growth stock while AZN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ALKS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.26 — expect wider price swings.
ALKS is growing revenue faster at 27.0% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (2.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (60/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins. ALKS offers better value entry with a 54.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Alkermes Plc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - SPECIALTY & GENERIC · USA
Alkermes plc, a biopharmaceutical company, researches, develops and markets pharmaceutical products to address the unmet medical needs of patients in various therapeutic areas in the United States, Ireland and internationally. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
Visit Website →AstraZeneca PLC
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
AstraZeneca PLC discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription drugs in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, respiratory, infections, neuroscience and gastroenterology worldwide. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
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