AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsNektar Therapeutics (NKTR)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$187.37
+1.17%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.11B
NKTR
Nektar Therapeutics
$85.04
+2.21%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $2.76B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 106250% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $55.23M). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs -297.1%. NKTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.31. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
NKTR
Avoid28
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+4.1%
Fair Value
$214.51
Current Price
$187.37
$27.14 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NKTR.
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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 19.3x book value
0.0% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -217.9% — below average capital efficiency
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 : NKTR
The strongest argument for NKTR centers on PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.31 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 : NKTR
The primary concerns for NKTR are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a value stock while NKTR is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
NKTR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 4.1% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 28/100), backed by strong 17.4% 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.
Nektar Therapeutics
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Nektar Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California with additional operations in Huntsville, Alabama and Hyderabad, India.
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