AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsBecton Dickinson and Company (BDX)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.95
-0.79%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $282.69B
BDX
Becton Dickinson and Company
$151.16
+1.07%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $39.80B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 172% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $22.23B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs 5.1%. BDX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.11. BDX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
BDX
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+8.2%
Fair Value
$194.77
Current Price
$185.95
$8.82 discount
Margin of Safety
+9.9%
Fair Value
$200.45
Current Price
$151.16
$49.29 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 27.9%
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 28.6% YoY
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Moderate valuation
ROE of 4.7% — below average capital efficiency
5.1% margin — thin
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 17.2% and operating margin at 27.9%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : BDX
The strongest argument for BDX centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.11 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : BDX
The primary concerns for BDX are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
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 12.5% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
BDX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 64/100). Both earn "Strong 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.
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