AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsSTAAR Surgical Company (STAA)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.48
-0.59%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $293.73B
STAA
STAAR Surgical Company
$26.78
+0.34%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $1.34B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 18904% more annual revenue ($62.38B vs $328.27M). AZN leads profitability with a 17.7% profit margin vs 0.2%. STAA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.76. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AZN
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
STAA
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
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
+50.0%
Fair Value
$34.47
Current Price
$26.78
$7.69 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
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Grey zone — moderate risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
0.2% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
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 : STAA
The strongest argument for STAA centers on Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. 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, Profit Margin. A P/E of 2669.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while STAA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
STAA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — 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 36/100), backed by strong 17.7% margins. STAA offers better value entry with a 50.0% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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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