AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsCardinal Health Inc (CAH)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$187.37
+1.17%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.11B
CAH
Cardinal Health Inc
$192.88
-4.90%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $47.73B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cardinal Health Inc generates 317% more annual revenue ($244.67B vs $58.74B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 0.7%. CAH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
CAH
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+4.1%
Fair Value
$214.51
Current Price
$187.37
$27.14 discount
Margin of Safety
+73.1%
Fair Value
$834.93
Current Price
$192.88
$642.05 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Earnings expanding 53.9% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%
Generating 1.4B in free cash flow
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
18.8% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
0.7% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.2%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AZN
The strongest argument for AZN centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.4% and operating margin at 21.6%.
Bull Case : CAH
The strongest argument for CAH centers on Altman Z-Score, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 18.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : CAH
The primary concerns for CAH are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 0.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a value stock while CAH is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CAH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.65 — expect wider price swings.
CAH is growing revenue faster at 18.8% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. CAH offers better value entry with a 73.1% 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.
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.
Cardinal Health Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Cardinal Health, Inc. is an American multinational health care services company.
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