AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsUniversal Corporation (UVV)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.78
+0.93%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $284.63B
UVV
Universal Corporation
$51.95
+1.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.32B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 1866% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $2.99B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 3.7%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AZN
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
UVV
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+32.8%
Fair Value
$306.07
Current Price
$185.78
$120.29 discount
Margin of Safety
+74.6%
Fair Value
$207.79
Current Price
$51.95
$155.84 discount
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 32.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
3.7% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : UVV
The strongest argument for UVV centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : UVV
The primary concerns for UVV are Market Cap, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. Thin 3.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
UVV carries more volatility with a beta of 0.67 — expect wider price swings.
UVV is growing revenue faster at 6.1% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (66/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. UVV offers better value entry with a 74.6% 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.
Universal Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Universal Corporation processes and supplies leaf tobacco and plant ingredients worldwide. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
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