WallStSmart

AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsMereo BioPharma Group PLC ADR (MREO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AZN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs 0.0%. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

AZN

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.48

MREO

Avoid

26

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 3.3Profit: 3.0Value: 5.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -12.28
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AZNUndervalued (+18.4%)

Margin of Safety

+18.4%

Fair Value

$196.10

Current Price

$160.17

$35.93 discount

UndervaluedFair: $196.10Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MREO.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AZN4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$252.33B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
20.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
23.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.5%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.13B8/10

Generating 2.1B in free cash flow

MREO2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

AZN2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
2.5%4/10

2.5% earnings growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MREO4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$42.67M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
0.0%3/10

0.0% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : MREO

The strongest argument for MREO centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book.

Bear Case : AZN

The primary concerns for AZN are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : MREO

The primary concerns for MREO are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AZN profiles as a mature stock while MREO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

MREO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.30 — expect wider price swings.

AZN is growing revenue faster at 6.4% — 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 26/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins. 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.

Mereo BioPharma Group PLC ADR

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Mereo BioPharma Group plc, a biopharmaceutical company, acquires, develops and markets therapeutic products for the treatment of oncology and rare diseases in the UK and internationally. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?