WallStSmart

Ascendis Pharma AS (ASND)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Novartis AG ADR generates 5315% more annual revenue ($56.69B vs $1.05B). ASND leads profitability with a 70.9% profit margin vs 22.5%. NVS trades at a lower P/E of 20.7x. 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

NVS

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ASND.

NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-47.0%)

Margin of Safety

-47.0%

Fair Value

$93.29

Current Price

$137.16

$43.87 premium

UndervaluedFair: $93.29Overvalued

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

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$260.70B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
30.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
34.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.6%

Profit MarginProfitability
22.5%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$5.57B8/10

Generating 5.6B 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

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.8%4/10

0.8% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
3.222/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : NVS

The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.5% and operating margin at 34.6%.

Bear Case : ASND

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

Bear Case : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ASND profiles as a growth stock while NVS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

NVS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.49 — expect wider price swings.

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

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (5.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ASND scores higher overall (61/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 70.9% margins and 114.7% 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.

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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