AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsBecton Dickinson and Company (BDX)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$187.37
+1.17%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.11B
BDX
Becton Dickinson and Company
$145.31
-2.82%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $41.34B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 168% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $21.92B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 8.0%. BDX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.16. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
BDX
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+4.1%
Fair Value
$214.51
Current Price
$187.37
$27.14 discount
Margin of Safety
+25.7%
Fair Value
$242.95
Current Price
$145.31
$97.64 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 28.6% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
1.6% revenue growth
ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : BDX
The strongest argument for BDX centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.16 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : BDX
The primary concerns for BDX are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
BDX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.35 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 4.1% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. BDX offers better value entry with a 25.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
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.
Becton Dickinson and Company
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Becton, Dickinson and Company, also known as BD, is an American multinational medical technology company that manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems, and reagents. BD also provides consulting and analytics services in certain geographies.
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