AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsHealthcare Services Group Inc (HCSG)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$184.74
-1.40%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.11B
HCSG
Healthcare Services Group Inc
$22.07
+1.56%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $1.46B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 3071% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $1.85B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 3.7%. HCSG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.36. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
HCSG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+4.0%
Fair Value
$214.34
Current Price
$184.74
$29.60 discount
Margin of Safety
+80.8%
Fair Value
$115.76
Current Price
$22.07
$93.69 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 1.8B in free cash flow
Earnings expanding 60.9% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
3.4% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
3.7% margin — thin
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 : HCSG
The strongest argument for HCSG centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. PEG of 1.36 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 : HCSG
The primary concerns for HCSG are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Thin 3.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HCSG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.81 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 4.1% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. HCSG offers better value entry with a 80.8% 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.
Healthcare Services Group Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA
Healthcare Services Group, Inc. provides management, administrative, and operational services to the cleaning, laundry, bedding, facility maintenance, and dietary services departments of nursing homes, retirement complexes, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals in the United States. . The company is headquartered in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.
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