AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsCVS Health Corp (CVS)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.95
-1.94%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $282.69B
CVS
CVS Health Corp
$95.93
+1.17%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $114.20B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CVS Health Corp generates 571% more annual revenue ($405.62B vs $60.44B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs 0.7%. CVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.26. CVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
CVS
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
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
+45.4%
Fair Value
$141.01
Current Price
$95.93
$45.08 discount
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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Earnings expanding 63.1% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 3.8% — below average capital efficiency
0.7% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.1%
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 : CVS
The strongest argument for CVS centers on PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Market Cap. PEG of 0.26 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 : CVS
The primary concerns for CVS are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 0.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while CVS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CVS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 12.5% — sustainability is the question.
CVS generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CVS scores higher overall (65/100 vs 64/100). 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.
CVS Health Corp
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
CVS Health (previously CVS Corporation and CVS Caremark Corporation) is an American healthcare company that owns CVS Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy chain; CVS Caremark, a pharmacy benefits manager; Aetna, a health insurance provider, among many other brands. The company's headquarters is in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
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