AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsWest Pharmaceutical Services Inc (WST)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$161.42
+0.88%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $263.09B
WST
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
$354.07
+1.57%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $24.00B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 1745% more annual revenue ($61.37B vs $3.33B). WST leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs 17.0%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. WST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
WST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+13.9%
Fair Value
$196.93
Current Price
$161.42
$35.51 discount
Margin of Safety
-47.9%
Fair Value
$166.45
Current Price
$354.07
$187.62 premium
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 23.5%
Generating 2.1B in free cash flow
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Strong operational efficiency at 22.5%
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
2.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 8.4x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 17.0% and operating margin at 23.5%. PEG of 1.47 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : WST
The strongest argument for WST centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.0% and operating margin at 22.5%. Revenue growth of 13.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : WST
The primary concerns for WST are Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 43.5x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.16 — expect wider price swings.
WST is growing revenue faster at 13.8% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (2.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
WST scores higher overall (61/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins and 13.8% revenue growth. Both earn "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.
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of injectable pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems. The company is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania.
Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?