AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsCharles River Laboratories (CRL)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$182.85
+0.18%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $286.68B
CRL
Charles River Laboratories
$177.62
-2.23%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $8.97B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 1405% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $4.02B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs -3.6%. CRL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.13. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
CRL
Hold39
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+6.6%
Fair Value
$220.34
Current Price
$182.85
$37.49 discount
Margin of Safety
+21.0%
Fair Value
$210.15
Current Price
$177.62
$32.53 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Distress zone — elevated risk
Operating margin of 4.5%
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -4.2% — below average capital efficiency
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 28.2%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : CRL
The strongest argument for CRL centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.13 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : CRL
The primary concerns for CRL are Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while CRL is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
CRL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — 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 (62/100 vs 39/100), backed by strong 17.2% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. CRL offers better value entry with a 21.0% margin of safety. 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.
Charles River Laboratories
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., is an American pharmaceutical company specializing in a variety of preclinical and clinical laboratory, gene therapy and cell therapy services for the Pharmaceutical, Medical device and Biotechnology industries. It also supplies assorted biomedical products and outsourcing services for research and development in the pharmaceutical industry and offer support in the fields of basic research, drug discovery, safety and efficacy, clinical support, and manufacturing.
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