Alcon AG (ALC)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)
ALC
Alcon AG
$71.81
+3.26%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $33.70B
NVS
Novartis AG ADR
$156.33
+1.37%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $291.32B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Novartis AG ADR generates 433% more annual revenue ($56.69B vs $10.63B). NVS leads profitability with a 22.5% profit margin vs 7.7%. ALC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. NVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).
ALC
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
NVS
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-25.0%
Fair Value
$63.50
Current Price
$71.81
$8.31 premium
Margin of Safety
-66.5%
Fair Value
$92.73
Current Price
$156.33
$63.60 premium
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
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 34.6%
Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 5.6B 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
0.8% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALC
The strongest argument for ALC centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book.
Bull Case : NVS
The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.5% and operating margin at 34.6%.
Bear Case : ALC
The primary concerns for ALC are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 41.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : NVS
The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.70 — expect wider price swings.
ALC is growing revenue faster at 9.4% — sustainability is the question.
NVS generates stronger free cash flow (5.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NVS scores higher overall (51/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 22.5% 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 →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 →Compare with Other MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES Stocks
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