AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.95
-1.75%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $282.69B
NVS
Novartis AG ADR
$148.38
-2.51%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $289.19B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 7% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $56.58B). NVS leads profitability with a 23.9% profit margin vs 17.2%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.39. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
NVS
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
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
-65.2%
Fair Value
$91.39
Current Price
$148.38
$56.99 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 30.5%
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Grey zone — moderate risk
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.7%
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 : NVS
The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.9% and operating margin at 30.5%.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : NVS
The primary concerns for NVS are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while NVS is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
NVS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.49 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 12.5% — sustainability is the question.
NVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 17.2% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Novartis AG ADR
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
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