Alcon AG (ALC)vsAstraZeneca PLC (AZN)
ALC
Alcon AG
$66.81
+0.35%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $33.11B
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.95
-1.94%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $282.69B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 468% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $10.63B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs 7.7%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.39. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
ALC
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-24.0%
Fair Value
$64.04
Current Price
$66.81
$2.77 premium
Margin of Safety
+8.2%
Fair Value
$194.77
Current Price
$185.95
$8.82 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 22 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 27.9%
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 3.7% — below average capital efficiency
7.7% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALC
The strongest argument for ALC centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity.
Bull Case : AZN
The strongest argument for AZN centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.2% and operating margin at 27.9%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ALC
The primary concerns for ALC are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 40.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, 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.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 12.5% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 17.2% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. Both earn "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.
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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