Alcon AG (ALC)vsAstraZeneca PLC (AZN)
ALC
Alcon AG
$72.81
-3.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $36.39B
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$187.37
+1.17%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.11B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 465% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $10.40B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 9.4%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.54. 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
+12.4%
Fair Value
$90.63
Current Price
$72.81
$17.82 discount
Margin of Safety
+4.1%
Fair Value
$214.51
Current Price
$187.37
$27.14 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
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
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 4.5% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 22.2%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALC
The strongest argument for ALC centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book.
Bull 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%.
Bear Case : ALC
The primary concerns for ALC are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.74 — expect wider price swings.
ALC is growing revenue faster at 8.6% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. 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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