AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsEdwards Lifesciences Corp (EW)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.48
-0.59%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $293.73B
EW
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
$105.80
-0.01%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $59.81B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 835% more annual revenue ($62.38B vs $6.67B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.7% profit margin vs 15.3%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.35. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AZN
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
EW
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+4.3%
Fair Value
$197.94
Current Price
$185.48
$12.46 discount
Margin of Safety
+69.2%
Fair Value
$257.48
Current Price
$105.80
$151.68 discount
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 29.6%
Earnings expanding 23.5% YoY
Generating 4.0B in free cash flow
Strong operational efficiency at 30.1%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 17.7% and operating margin at 29.6%. PEG of 1.35 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : EW
The strongest argument for EW centers on Operating Margin, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.3% and operating margin at 30.1%. Revenue growth of 10.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : EW
The primary concerns for EW are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 60.5x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
EW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.83 — expect wider price swings.
EW is growing revenue faster at 10.5% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (4.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (68/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 17.7% margins. EW offers better value entry with a 69.2% margin of safety. 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.
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA
Edwards Lifesciences is an American medical technology company headquartered in Irvine, California, specializing in artificial heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring.
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