Ascendis Pharma AS (ASND)vsAstraZeneca PLC (AZN)
ASND
Ascendis Pharma AS
$220.28
-0.81%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $13.61B
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$187.37
+1.17%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.11B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 8057% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $720.13M). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs -31.7%. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
ASND
Avoid32
out of 100
Grade: F
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ASND.
Margin of Safety
+4.1%
Fair Value
$214.51
Current Price
$187.37
$27.14 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 42.3% year-over-year
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Earnings expanding 53.9% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%
Generating 1.4B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
0.0% earnings growth
Operating margin of 1.0%
ROE of -818.0% — below average capital efficiency
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ASND
The strongest argument for ASND centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 42.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : ASND
The primary concerns for ASND are EPS Growth, Operating Margin, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ASND profiles as a hypergrowth stock while AZN is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ASND carries more volatility with a beta of 0.48 — expect wider price swings.
ASND is growing revenue faster at 42.3% — 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 32/100), 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.
Ascendis Pharma AS
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Ascendis Pharma A / S, a biopharmaceutical company, develops therapies for unmet medical needs. The company is headquartered in Hellerup, Denmark.
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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