AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsEdwards Lifesciences Corp (EW)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.78
+0.93%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $284.63B
EW
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
$82.67
+1.20%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $48.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 868% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $6.07B). EW leads profitability with a 17.7% profit margin vs 17.4%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AZN
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
EW
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+32.8%
Fair Value
$306.07
Current Price
$185.78
$120.29 discount
Margin of Safety
-544.4%
Fair Value
$12.31
Current Price
$82.67
$70.36 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Earnings expanding 53.9% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%
Generating 1.4B in free cash flow
Strong operational efficiency at 23.7%
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 76.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AZN
The strongest argument for AZN centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.4% and operating margin at 21.6%.
Bull Case : EW
The strongest argument for EW centers on Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.7% and operating margin at 23.7%. Revenue growth of 13.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Revenue 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 45.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a value stock while EW is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
EW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.
EW is growing revenue faster at 13.3% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (66/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. 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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