WallStSmart

Ardent Health Partners, Inc. (ARDT)vsAstraZeneca PLC (AZN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AstraZeneca PLC generates 858% more annual revenue ($61.37B vs $6.41B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs 1.2%. ARDT trades at a lower P/E of 19.6x. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

ARDT

Hold

40

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 3.3Profit: 4.5Value: 5.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.05

AZN

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ARDT.

AZNUndervalued (+18.4%)

Margin of Safety

+18.4%

Fair Value

$196.10

Current Price

$161.85

$34.25 discount

UndervaluedFair: $196.10Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARDT1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

AZN4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$252.33B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
20.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
23.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.5%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.13B8/10

Generating 2.1B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ARDT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$1.57B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
7.7%3/10

ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.2%3/10

1.2% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.4%3/10

Operating margin of 3.4%

AZN2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
2.5%4/10

2.5% earnings growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARDT

The strongest argument for ARDT centers on Price/Book.

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 : ARDT

The primary concerns for ARDT are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 1.68 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : AZN

The primary concerns for AZN are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ARDT profiles as a value stock while AZN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

ARDT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.70 — expect wider price swings.

AZN is growing revenue faster at 6.4% — 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 40/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins. 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.

Ardent Health Partners, Inc.

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA

Ardent Health Partners, Inc. is a leading healthcare organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, focused on providing high-quality, patient-driven care through an extensive network of hospitals and outpatient facilities. The company emphasizes innovation and operational excellence, offering a comprehensive range of acute care services tailored to the specific needs of the communities it serves. With a solid financial foundation and a strategic growth plan, Ardent is well-prepared to enhance healthcare access and improve patient outcomes in a dynamic healthcare environment.

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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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