AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsCastle Biosciences Inc (CSTL)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$161.42
+0.88%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $263.09B
CSTL
Castle Biosciences Inc
$32.03
+5.12%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $928.40M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 17076% more annual revenue ($61.37B vs $357.28M). AZN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs -5.4%. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
CSTL
Hold37
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+13.9%
Fair Value
$196.93
Current Price
$161.42
$35.51 discount
Margin of Safety
+59.2%
Fair Value
$79.18
Current Price
$32.03
$47.15 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
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 20.1% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
2.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -2.8% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 51.6%
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 1.47 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : CSTL
The strongest argument for CSTL centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 20.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : CSTL
The primary concerns for CSTL are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while CSTL is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CSTL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.97 — expect wider price swings.
CSTL is growing revenue faster at 20.1% — 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 37/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins. CSTL offers better value entry with a 59.2% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Castle Biosciences Inc
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Castle Biosciences Inc. is a pioneering diagnostics firm that enhances patient care through advanced gene-expression profiling tests, particularly within the skin cancer sector, exemplified by its flagship product, DecisionDx®-Melanoma. This innovative test offers essential insights for risk stratification, enabling oncologists to make informed treatment decisions in managing melanoma. With a strong focus on precision medicine, coupled with an extensive research and development strategy, Castle Biosciences is poised for growth as it seeks to expand its offerings and meet critical clinical demands. By addressing the complexities inherent in oncology, the company not only aims to improve patient outcomes but also to generate substantial value for its investors.
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