AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsLaboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LH)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$187.37
+1.17%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.11B
LH
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
$257.14
-0.94%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $21.19B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 321% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $13.95B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 6.3%. LH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.06. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
LH
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+4.1%
Fair Value
$214.51
Current Price
$187.37
$27.14 discount
Margin of Safety
+7.8%
Fair Value
$314.31
Current Price
$257.14
$57.17 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 1.4B in free cash flow
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
6.3% 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 : LH
The strongest argument for LH centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.06 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 : LH
The primary concerns for LH are Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.
LH is growing revenue faster at 5.6% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 17.4% 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.
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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?