AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsLaboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LH)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.95
-1.94%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $282.69B
LH
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
$265.15
+1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $21.83B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 327% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $14.14B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs 6.7%. LH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.13. LH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
LH
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
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
-38.9%
Fair Value
$208.66
Current Price
$265.15
$56.49 premium
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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 32.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
6.7% margin — thin
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 : LH
The strongest argument for LH centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.13 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : LH
The primary concerns for LH are Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while LH is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
LH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.88 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 12.5% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LH scores higher overall (67/100 vs 64/100). 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.
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, more commonly known as Labcorp, is an American company headquartered in Burlington, North Carolina. It operates one of the largest clinical laboratory networks in the world, with a United States network of 36 primary laboratories.
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