WallStSmart

Ascendis Pharma AS (ASND)vsAstraZeneca PLC (AZN)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AstraZeneca PLC generates 5761% more annual revenue ($61.37B vs $1.05B). ASND leads profitability with a 70.9% profit margin vs 17.0%. ASND trades at a lower P/E of 20.9x. ASND earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

ASND

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.5Value: 5.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -2.66

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 ASND.

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

ASND4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
52.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 53 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
70.9%10/10

Keeps 71 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
65.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 65.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
114.7%10/10

Revenue surging 114.7% 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

ASND4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
10.4x4/10

Trading at 10.4x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-2.662/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : ASND

The strongest argument for ASND centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 70.9% and operating margin at 65.0%. Revenue growth of 114.7% 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 : ASND

The primary concerns for ASND are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : AZN

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

ASND carries more volatility with a beta of 0.48 — expect wider price swings.

ASND is growing revenue faster at 114.7% — sustainability is the question.

AZN generates stronger free cash flow (2.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ASND scores higher overall (61/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 70.9% margins and 114.7% revenue growth. AZN offers better value entry with a 18.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

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

Ascendis Pharma AS

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Ascendis Pharma A / S, a biopharmaceutical company, develops therapies for unmet medical needs. The company is headquartered in Hellerup, Denmark.

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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