WallStSmart

Alcon AG (ALC)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Novartis AG ADR generates 432% more annual revenue ($56.58B vs $10.63B). NVS leads profitability with a 23.9% profit margin vs 7.7%. ALC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.45. ALC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).

ALC

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 4.5Value: 4.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 3/9

NVS

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ALCSignificantly Overvalued (-24.2%)

Margin of Safety

-24.2%

Fair Value

$63.90

Current Price

$66.14

$2.24 premium

UndervaluedFair: $63.90Overvalued
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-62.6%)

Margin of Safety

-62.6%

Fair Value

$91.58

Current Price

$148.38

$56.80 premium

UndervaluedFair: $91.58Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ALC2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.249/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$289.19B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
35.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
30.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.5%

Profit MarginProfitability
23.9%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.87B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ALC4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
3.7%3/10

ROE of 3.7% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
7.7%3/10

7.7% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.223/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
4.112/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.7%2/10

Revenue declined 0.7%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ALC

The strongest argument for ALC centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity. PEG of 1.45 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : NVS

The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.9% and operating margin at 30.5%.

Bear Case : ALC

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

Bear Case : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ALC profiles as a value stock while NVS is a declining 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 9.4% — sustainability is the question.

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ALC scores higher overall (51/100 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.

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?