WallStSmart

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc (APLS)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Novartis AG ADR generates 5536% more annual revenue ($56.58B vs $1.00B). NVS leads profitability with a 23.9% profit margin vs 2.2%. NVS trades at a lower P/E of 21.2x. NVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).

APLS

Avoid

27

out of 100

Grade: F

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

NVS

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 9.0Value: 4.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
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
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-52.5%)

Margin of Safety

-52.5%

Fair Value

$109.60

Current Price

$147.85

$38.25 premium

UndervaluedFair: $109.60Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APLS0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$282.11B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
30.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.5%

Profit MarginProfitability
23.9%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.87B8/10

Generating 2.9B 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

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.484/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.7%2/10

Revenue declined 0.7%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-9.3%2/10

Earnings declined 9.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APLS

APLS has a balanced fundamental profile.

Bull Case : NVS

The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.9% and operating margin at 30.5%.

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 : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APLS profiles as a value stock while NVS is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

NVS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.52 — expect wider price swings.

NVS is growing revenue faster at -0.7% — sustainability is the question.

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NVS scores higher overall (51/100 vs 27/100), backed by strong 23.9% 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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Novartis AG ADR

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

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