WallStSmart

Ardelyx Inc (ARDX)vsAstraZeneca PLC (AZN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AstraZeneca PLC generates 13510% more annual revenue ($61.37B vs $450.89M). AZN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs -12.3%. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

ARDX

Avoid

31

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 7.3Profit: 2.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -1.04

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 ARDX.

AZNUndervalued (+18.4%)

Margin of Safety

+18.4%

Fair Value

$196.10

Current Price

$160.17

$35.93 discount

UndervaluedFair: $196.10Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARDX1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.8%8/10

Revenue surging 23.8% year-over-year

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

ARDX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$975.95M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.723/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : ARDX

The strongest argument for ARDX centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 23.8% 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 : ARDX

The primary concerns for ARDX are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.72 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : AZN

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ARDX profiles as a growth stock while AZN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

ARDX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.69 — expect wider price swings.

ARDX is growing revenue faster at 23.8% — 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 31/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins. 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.

Ardelyx Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Ardelyx, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, develops and sells drugs for the treatment of kidney and cardiorenal diseases in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Fremont, California.

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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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