AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsCardinal Health Inc (CAH)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.95
-1.94%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $282.69B
CAH
Cardinal Health Inc
$201.77
+1.22%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $52.43B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cardinal Health Inc generates 315% more annual revenue ($250.74B vs $60.44B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs 0.6%. CAH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.39. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
CAH
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+8.2%
Fair Value
$194.77
Current Price
$185.95
$8.82 discount
Margin of Safety
-31.2%
Fair Value
$170.63
Current Price
$201.77
$31.14 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 27.9%
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
0.6% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.4%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AZN
The strongest argument for AZN centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.2% and operating margin at 27.9%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : CAH
The strongest argument for CAH centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.39 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : CAH
The primary concerns for CAH are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 0.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while CAH is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CAH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.53 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 12.5% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 17.2% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. 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.
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.
Cardinal Health Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Cardinal Health, Inc. is an American multinational health care services company.
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