AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsEdwards Lifesciences Corp (EW)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$161.42
+0.88%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $263.09B
EW
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
$89.72
+0.45%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $49.56B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 842% more annual revenue ($61.37B vs $6.51B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs 15.4%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
EW
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+13.9%
Fair Value
$196.93
Current Price
$161.42
$35.51 discount
Margin of Safety
+69.3%
Fair Value
$257.97
Current Price
$89.72
$168.25 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 23.5%
Generating 2.1B in free cash flow
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 29.8%
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
2.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 25.4%
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 17.0% and operating margin at 23.5%. PEG of 1.47 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : EW
The strongest argument for EW centers on Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 29.8%. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : EW
The primary concerns for EW are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 51.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
EW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.85 — expect wider price swings.
EW is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (2.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (60/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins. EW offers better value entry with a 69.3% margin of safety. 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.
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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