AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsLigand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (LGND)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$155.62
-1.49%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $263.09B
LGND
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
$300.79
+3.00%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $5.76B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 22258% more annual revenue ($61.37B vs $274.48M). LGND leads profitability with a 55.9% profit margin vs 17.0%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. LGND earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
AZN
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
LGND
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+13.9%
Fair Value
$196.93
Current Price
$155.62
$41.31 discount
Margin of Safety
-14.8%
Fair Value
$161.95
Current Price
$300.79
$138.84 premium
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
Keeps 56 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 33.6%
Earnings expanding 103.2% YoY
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
2.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : LGND
The strongest argument for LGND centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 55.9% and operating margin at 33.6%. Revenue growth of 14.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : LGND
The primary concerns for LGND are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LGND carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.
LGND is growing revenue faster at 14.1% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (2.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
LGND scores higher overall (67/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 55.9% margins and 14.1% revenue growth. 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.
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on developing or acquiring technologies that help pharmaceutical companies discover and develop drugs globally. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.
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