WallStSmart

IQVIA Holdings Inc (IQV)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Novartis AG ADR generates 240% more annual revenue ($56.58B vs $16.63B). NVS leads profitability with a 23.9% profit margin vs 8.3%. IQV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.73. IQV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

IQV

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 6.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.23

NVS

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

IQVUndervalued (+9.1%)

Margin of Safety

+9.1%

Fair Value

$194.83

Current Price

$183.45

$11.38 discount

UndervaluedFair: $194.83Overvalued
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-62.1%)

Margin of Safety

-62.1%

Fair Value

$91.39

Current Price

$148.38

$56.99 premium

UndervaluedFair: $91.39Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

IQV2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
22.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.738/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$273.77B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
35.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
30.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.5%

Profit MarginProfitability
23.9%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.87B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

IQV2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.232/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.223/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
3.932/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.7%2/10

Revenue declined 0.7%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : IQV

The strongest argument for IQV centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.73 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : NVS

The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.9% and operating margin at 30.5%.

Bear Case : IQV

The primary concerns for IQV are Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

IQV profiles as a value stock while NVS is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

IQV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.22 — expect wider price swings.

IQV is growing revenue faster at 8.4% — sustainability is the question.

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

IQV scores higher overall (66/100 vs 49/100). 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.

IQVIA Holdings Inc

HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA

IQVIA, formerly Quintiles and IMS Health, Inc., is an American multinational company serving the combined industries of health information technology and clinical research. It is a provider of biopharmaceutical development and commercial outsourcing services, focused primarily on Phase I-IV clinical trials and associated laboratory and analytical services, including consulting services.

Novartis AG ADR

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?