WallStSmart

Aquestive Therapeutics Inc (AQST)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Novartis AG ADR generates 112675% more annual revenue ($56.69B vs $50.27M). NVS leads profitability with a 22.5% profit margin vs -137.1%. NVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).

AQST

Avoid

28

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 5.3Profit: 2.5Value: 4.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: -4.23

NVS

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AQSTSignificantly Overvalued (-49.2%)

Margin of Safety

-49.2%

Fair Value

$2.56

Current Price

$4.25

$1.69 premium

UndervaluedFair: $2.56Overvalued
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-63.9%)

Margin of Safety

-63.9%

Fair Value

$92.92

Current Price

$150.88

$57.96 premium

UndervaluedFair: $92.92Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AQST2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
65.7%10/10

Revenue surging 65.7% year-over-year

Debt/EquityHealth
-1.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$291.32B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
30.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
34.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.6%

Profit MarginProfitability
22.5%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$5.57B8/10

Generating 5.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

AQST4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$469.25M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.8%4/10

0.8% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
3.562/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AQST

The strongest argument for AQST centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 65.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : AQST

The primary concerns for AQST are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AQST profiles as a hypergrowth stock while NVS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

AQST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.43 — expect wider price swings.

AQST is growing revenue faster at 65.7% — sustainability is the question.

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (5.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NVS scores higher overall (51/100 vs 28/100), backed by strong 22.5% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Aquestive Therapeutics Inc

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - SPECIALTY & GENERIC · USA

Aquestive Therapeutics, Inc., a pharmaceutical company, focuses on identifying, developing, and marketing various products to address unmet medical needs in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Warren, New Jersey.

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.

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