WallStSmart

Alcon AG (ALC)vsBaxter International Inc (BAX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Baxter International Inc generates 8% more annual revenue ($11.24B vs $10.40B). ALC leads profitability with a 9.4% profit margin vs -8.5%. ALC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.70. BAX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).

ALC

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 7.3Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 4/9

BAX

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 3.5Value: 4.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.98
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ALCSignificantly Overvalued (-489.8%)

Margin of Safety

-489.8%

Fair Value

$13.46

Current Price

$75.26

$61.80 premium

UndervaluedFair: $13.46Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for BAX.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ALC2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.249/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

BAX1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

ALC4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.704/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
37.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
4.5%3/10

ROE of 4.5% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-22.2%2/10

Earnings declined 22.2%

BAX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
2.4%4/10

2.4% earnings growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.984/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.603/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
36.682/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ALC

The strongest argument for ALC centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book.

Bull Case : BAX

The strongest argument for BAX centers on Price/Book.

Bear Case : ALC

The primary concerns for ALC are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : BAX

The primary concerns for BAX are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.60 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ALC profiles as a value stock while BAX is a turnaround 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 8.6% — sustainability is the question.

ALC generates stronger free cash flow (489M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BAX scores higher overall (53/100 vs 49/100). 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.

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Baxter International Inc

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA

Baxter International Inc. is an American multinational health care company with headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois. The company primarily focuses on products to treat hemophilia, kidney disease, immune disorders and other chronic and acute medical conditions.

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