AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsIQVIA Holdings Inc (IQV)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$160.17
+2.23%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $252.33B
IQV
IQVIA Holdings Inc
$261.77
+1.74%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $42.24B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 261% more annual revenue ($61.37B vs $16.98B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs 8.1%. IQV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.97. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
IQV
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+18.4%
Fair Value
$196.10
Current Price
$160.17
$35.93 discount
Margin of Safety
+11.9%
Fair Value
$201.21
Current Price
$261.77
$60.56 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
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
2.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 0.6%
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : IQV
The strongest argument for IQV centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.97 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 : IQV
The primary concerns for IQV are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while IQV is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
IQV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.
IQV is growing revenue faster at 8.7% — 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 55/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins. 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.
IQVIA Holdings Inc
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
IQVIA, formerly Quintiles and IMS Health, Inc., is an American multinational company serving the combined industries of health information technology and clinical research. It is a provider of biopharmaceutical development and commercial outsourcing services, focused primarily on Phase I-IV clinical trials and associated laboratory and analytical services, including consulting services.
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