AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsIonis Pharmaceuticals Inc (IONS)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.95
-1.94%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $282.69B
IONS
Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc
$74.48
-0.87%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $12.11B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 5612% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $1.06B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs -30.9%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.39. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
IONS
Avoid31
out of 100
Grade: F
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
+49.1%
Fair Value
$165.82
Current Price
$74.48
$91.34 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
Revenue surging 87.0% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 25.2x book value
ROE of -66.5% — below average capital efficiency
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 : IONS
The strongest argument for IONS centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 87.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : IONS
The primary concerns for IONS are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 4.15 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while IONS is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
IONS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.37 — expect wider price swings.
IONS is growing revenue faster at 87.0% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 31/100), backed by strong 17.2% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. IONS offers better value entry with a 49.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. discovers and develops RNA-targeted therapies in the United States. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.
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