WallStSmart

AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AstraZeneca PLC generates 85% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $32.72B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs 15.7%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.39. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

AZN

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.5Value: 6.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.48

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AZNUndervalued (+8.2%)

Margin of Safety

+8.2%

Fair Value

$194.77

Current Price

$185.95

$8.82 discount

UndervaluedFair: $194.77Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for DUK.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AZN4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$282.69B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
21.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
27.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.9%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.82B8/10

Generating 1.8B in free cash flow

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$94.40B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%

Areas to Watch

AZN2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.5x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.663/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : DUK

The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.7% and operating margin at 25.5%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AZN

The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : DUK

The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.40 — 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.

Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.

Duke Energy Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

Duke Energy Corporation is an American electric power and natural gas holding company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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