Alcon AG (ALC)vsAstraZeneca PLC (AZN)
ALC
Alcon AG
$66.03
-0.78%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.08B
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$160.17
+0.33%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $252.33B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 465% more annual revenue ($61.37B vs $10.86B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs 5.9%. ALC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
ALC
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
AZN
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-22.0%
Fair Value
$65.08
Current Price
$66.03
$0.95 premium
Margin of Safety
+18.4%
Fair Value
$196.10
Current Price
$160.17
$35.93 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
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
Areas to Watch
ROE of 3.8% — below average capital efficiency
5.9% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
2.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALC
The strongest argument for ALC centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull 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 1.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ALC
The primary concerns for ALC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 53.8x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALC profiles as a value stock while AZN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ALC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.70 — expect wider price swings.
ALC is growing revenue faster at 8.7% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (2.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (60/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins. 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.
Alcon AG
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Alcon, Inc., an eye care company, researches, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells eye care products for eye care professionals and their patients around the world. The company is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Visit Website →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.
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