AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsCerus Corporation (CERS)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$173.30
-1.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $261.94B
CERS
Cerus Corporation
$2.87
-1.71%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $575.06M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 27809% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $216.56M). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs -4.4%. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
CERS
Avoid31
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+10.7%
Fair Value
$193.96
Current Price
$173.30
$20.66 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CERS.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 27.9%
Generating 2.1B in free cash flow
Revenue surging 24.1% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 8.4x book value
0.0% earnings growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Elevated debt levels
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 : CERS
The strongest argument for CERS centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 24.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : CERS
The primary concerns for CERS are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Market Cap.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while CERS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CERS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.77 — expect wider price swings.
CERS is growing revenue faster at 24.1% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (2.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 31/100), backed by strong 17.2% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. 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.
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.
Cerus Corporation
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA
Cerus Corporation, a biomedical products company, is focused on developing and commercializing the INTERCEPT Blood System to improve blood safety. The company is headquartered in Concord, California.
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