AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsBecton Dickinson and Company (BDX)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$160.17
+0.33%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $252.33B
BDX
Becton Dickinson and Company
$177.85
+0.81%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $48.05B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 173% more annual revenue ($61.37B vs $22.48B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs 4.2%. BDX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.11. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
BDX
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+18.4%
Fair Value
$196.10
Current Price
$160.17
$35.93 discount
Margin of Safety
+11.1%
Fair Value
$203.14
Current Price
$177.85
$25.29 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 23.5%
Generating 2.1B in free cash flow
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
2.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 3.9% — below average capital efficiency
4.2% margin — thin
Earnings declined 31.4%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : BDX
The strongest argument for BDX centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.11 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : BDX
The primary concerns for BDX are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 4.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while BDX is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
BDX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.28 — 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 52/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins. 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.
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.
Becton Dickinson and Company
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Becton, Dickinson and Company, also known as BD, is an American multinational medical technology company that manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems, and reagents. BD also provides consulting and analytics services in certain geographies.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?