WallStSmart

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc (APLS)vsAstraZeneca PLC (AZN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AstraZeneca PLC generates 5752% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $1.00B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 2.2%. AZN trades at a lower P/E of 27.9x. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

APLS

Avoid

27

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 5.3Profit: 4.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -2.39

AZN

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 5.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.48
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APLSUndervalued (+88.4%)

Margin of Safety

+88.4%

Fair Value

$193.03

Current Price

$40.95

$152.08 discount

UndervaluedFair: $193.03Overvalued
AZNUndervalued (+4.1%)

Margin of Safety

+4.1%

Fair Value

$214.51

Current Price

$187.37

$27.14 discount

UndervaluedFair: $214.51Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APLS0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

AZN5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$287.11B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

EPS GrowthGrowth
53.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 53.9% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
22.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.38B8/10

Generating 1.4B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

APLS4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Price/BookValuation
14.0x4/10

Trading at 14.0x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Return on EquityProfitability
7.5%3/10

ROE of 7.5% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
2.2%3/10

2.2% margin — thin

AZN4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.544/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.1%4/10

4.1% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APLS

APLS has a balanced fundamental profile.

Bull Case : AZN

The strongest argument for AZN centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.4% and operating margin at 21.6%.

Bear Case : APLS

The primary concerns for APLS are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. A P/E of 227.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : AZN

The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AZN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.28 — expect wider price swings.

AZN is growing revenue faster at 4.1% — sustainability is the question.

AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor BIOTECHNOLOGY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 27/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. APLS offers better value entry with a 88.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of therapeutic compounds through inhibition of the complement system for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The company is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

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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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