WallStSmart

Ardelyx Inc (ARDX)vsAstraZeneca PLC (AZN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AstraZeneca PLC generates 14321% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $407.32M). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs -15.1%. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

ARDX

Avoid

27

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 6.7Profit: 2.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -1.04

AZN

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 5.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.48
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ARDX.

AZNUndervalued (+4.1%)

Margin of Safety

+4.1%

Fair Value

$214.51

Current Price

$187.37

$27.14 discount

UndervaluedFair: $214.51Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARDX0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

AZN5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$287.11B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

EPS GrowthGrowth
53.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 53.9% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
22.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.38B8/10

Generating 1.4B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ARDX4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Price/BookValuation
9.3x4/10

Trading at 9.3x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$1.47B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Operating MarginProfitability
4.1%3/10

Operating margin of 4.1%

AZN4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.544/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.1%4/10

4.1% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARDX

ARDX has a balanced fundamental profile.

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 : ARDX

The primary concerns for ARDX are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Market Cap.

Bear Case : AZN

The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ARDX profiles as a turnaround stock while AZN is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

ARDX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.66 — expect wider price swings.

ARDX is growing revenue faster at 7.8% — sustainability is the question.

AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 27/100), backed by strong 17.4% 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.

Ardelyx Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Ardelyx, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, develops and sells drugs for the treatment of kidney and cardiorenal diseases in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Fremont, California.

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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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