WallStSmart

AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsGuardian Pharmacy Services, Inc. (GRDN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AstraZeneca PLC generates 4051% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $1.46B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs 3.6%. AZN trades at a lower P/E of 27.5x. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

AZN

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

GRDN

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 4.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 5.30
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 GRDN.

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

GRDN4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
5.3010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
24.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.179/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

EPS GrowthGrowth
39.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 39.0% YoY

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

GRDN4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Price/BookValuation
11.6x4/10

Trading at 11.6x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.2%4/10

2.2% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

3.6% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : GRDN

The strongest argument for GRDN centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : AZN

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

Bear Case : GRDN

The primary concerns for GRDN are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Profit Margin. A P/E of 51.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AZN profiles as a mature stock while GRDN is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 17.2% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.

Guardian Pharmacy Services, Inc.

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA

Guardian Pharmacy Services, Inc. is a leading provider of specialized pharmacy solutions focused on the long-term care sector, serving assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. The company is recognized for its commitment to personalized medication management, high standards of quality and compliance, and superior customer service. By utilizing advanced technology and deep pharmaceutical expertise, Guardian not only improves patient outcomes but also streamlines operations for healthcare partners. With a substantial operational presence in multiple states, Guardian is well-equipped to address the growing demand for tailored pharmacy services in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

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