AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsGlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR (GSK)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$184.74
-1.40%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.11B
GSK
GlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR
$50.38
-1.02%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $102.18B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 79% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $32.78B). GSK leads profitability with a 17.8% profit margin vs 17.4%. GSK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. GSK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
GSK
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+4.0%
Fair Value
$214.34
Current Price
$184.74
$29.60 discount
Margin of Safety
-3.1%
Fair Value
$56.73
Current Price
$50.38
$6.35 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 1.8B in free cash flow
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 36.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
1.5% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : GSK
The strongest argument for GSK centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.8% and operating margin at 36.3%. PEG of 0.50 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : GSK
The primary concerns for GSK are Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
GSK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.30 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 4.1% — 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
GSK scores higher overall (66/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 17.8% 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.
GlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
GlaxoSmithKline plc is dedicated to the creation, discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, over-the-counter drugs and health-related consumer products in the UK, US and internationally. The company is headquartered in Brentford, the United Kingdom.
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