AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsCVS Health Corp (CVS)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$166.14
-0.04%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $252.33B
CVS
CVS Health Corp
$90.27
-1.58%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $121.07B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CVS Health Corp generates 572% more annual revenue ($412.64B vs $61.37B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs 1.2%. CVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.22. CVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
AZN
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
CVS
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+18.4%
Fair Value
$196.10
Current Price
$166.14
$29.96 discount
Margin of Safety
+45.3%
Fair Value
$140.81
Current Price
$90.27
$50.54 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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 188.8% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 5.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
2.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Moderate valuation
ROE of 6.2% — below average capital efficiency
1.2% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.9%
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 : CVS
The strongest argument for CVS centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 0.22 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 : CVS
The primary concerns for CVS are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 1.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while CVS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CVS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.58 — expect wider price swings.
CVS is growing revenue faster at 7.1% — sustainability is the question.
CVS generates stronger free cash flow (5.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CVS scores higher overall (67/100 vs 60/100). AZN offers better value entry with a 18.4% margin of safety. 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.
CVS Health Corp
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
CVS Health (previously CVS Corporation and CVS Caremark Corporation) is an American healthcare company that owns CVS Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy chain; CVS Caremark, a pharmacy benefits manager; Aetna, a health insurance provider, among many other brands. The company's headquarters is in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
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