AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsPacira BioSciences, Inc. (PCRX)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.48
-0.59%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $293.73B
PCRX
Pacira BioSciences, Inc.
$36.46
0.00%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $1.46B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 8293% more annual revenue ($62.38B vs $743.30M). AZN leads profitability with a 17.7% profit margin vs 5.1%. PCRX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.99. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AZN
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
PCRX
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+4.3%
Fair Value
$197.94
Current Price
$185.48
$12.46 discount
Margin of Safety
+87.5%
Fair Value
$173.66
Current Price
$36.46
$137.20 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%
Earnings expanding 23.5% YoY
Generating 4.0B in free cash flow
Earnings expanding 483.3% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 2.2% — below average capital efficiency
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 17.7% and operating margin at 29.6%. PEG of 1.35 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : PCRX
The strongest argument for PCRX centers on EPS Growth, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.99 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 : PCRX
The primary concerns for PCRX are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while PCRX is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
PCRX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.22 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (4.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (68/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 17.7% margins. PCRX offers better value entry with a 87.5% margin of safety. 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.
Pacira BioSciences, Inc.
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - SPECIALTY & GENERIC · USA
Pacira BioSciences, Inc. provides non-opioid pain management and regenerative health solutions for healthcare professionals and their patients in the United States. The company is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey.
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