WallStSmart

AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsSTAAR Surgical Company (STAA)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AstraZeneca PLC generates 20714% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $290.38M). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs -7.2%. STAA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.76. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

AZN

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.5Value: 6.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.48

STAA

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 4.0Value: 7.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.87
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AZNUndervalued (+10.1%)

Margin of Safety

+10.1%

Fair Value

$194.57

Current Price

$185.95

$8.62 discount

UndervaluedFair: $194.57Overvalued
STAAUndervalued (+44.9%)

Margin of Safety

+44.9%

Fair Value

$31.32

Current Price

$28.83

$2.49 discount

UndervaluedFair: $31.32Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AZN4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$282.69B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
21.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
27.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.9%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.82B8/10

Generating 1.8B in free cash flow

STAA3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
119.6%10/10

Revenue surging 119.6% year-over-year

Debt/EquityHealth
0.119/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.768/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

AZN2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.5x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

STAA4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.874/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Market CapQuality
$1.41B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-6.0%2/10

ROE of -6.0% — below average capital efficiency

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 17.2% and operating margin at 27.9%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : STAA

The strongest argument for STAA centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 119.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.76 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 : STAA

The primary concerns for STAA are Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AZN profiles as a mature stock while STAA is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

STAA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.23 — expect wider price swings.

STAA is growing revenue faster at 119.6% — sustainability is the question.

AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 17.2% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. STAA offers better value entry with a 44.9% margin of safety. 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.

STAAR Surgical Company

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA

STAAR Surgical Company designs, develops, manufactures, markets and sells implantable eye lenses and supplemental delivery systems for placing the lenses in the eye. The company is headquartered in Lake Forest, California.

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