WallStSmart

Ascendis Pharma AS (ASND)vsAstraZeneca PLC (AZN)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AstraZeneca PLC generates 6881% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $865.78M). ASND leads profitability with a 57.3% profit margin vs 17.2%. ASND trades at a lower P/E of 24.7x. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

ASND

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 5.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -2.67

AZN

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.5Value: 6.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.48
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ASND.

AZNUndervalued (+8.2%)

Margin of Safety

+8.2%

Fair Value

$194.77

Current Price

$185.95

$8.82 discount

UndervaluedFair: $194.77Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ASND3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
103.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 104 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
57.3%10/10

Keeps 57 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
144.3%10/10

Revenue surging 144.3% year-over-year

AZN4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$282.69B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
21.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
27.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.9%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.82B8/10

Generating 1.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ASND4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.843/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Price/BookValuation
23.3x2/10

Trading at 23.3x book value

AZN2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.5x4/10

Moderate valuation

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, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 57.3% and operating margin at 10.1%. Revenue growth of 144.3% 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 17.2% and operating margin at 27.9%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ASND

The primary concerns for ASND are EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.84 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : AZN

The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, 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 144.3% — sustainability is the question.

AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 17.2% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. 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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