AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsCastle Biosciences Inc (CSTL)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$182.85
+0.18%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $286.68B
CSTL
Castle Biosciences Inc
$19.83
+3.07%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $583.55M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 17458% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $344.23M). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs -7.0%. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
CSTL
Avoid33
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
+65.9%
Fair Value
$94.72
Current Price
$19.83
$74.89 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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
0.8% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -5.2% — 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 : CSTL
The strongest argument for CSTL centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : CSTL
The primary concerns for CSTL are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while CSTL is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
CSTL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — 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 33/100), backed by strong 17.2% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. CSTL offers better value entry with a 65.9% margin of safety. 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.
Castle Biosciences Inc
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Castle Biosciences Inc. is a cutting-edge diagnostics company dedicated to transforming patient care through its innovative gene-expression profiling tests, particularly in the realm of skin cancer. Its flagship product, DecisionDx®-Melanoma, is instrumental in the management of melanoma, providing critical insights into patient risk stratification and treatment decision-making. With a robust commitment to precision medicine, Castle is actively expanding its portfolio of assays to address unmet clinical needs. Bolstered by a strong research and development focus and an ambitious pipeline, the company is strategically positioned for sustainable growth while enhancing clinical outcomes and delivering significant value to its shareholders in the evolving oncology marketplace.
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