AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsGlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR (GSK)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$183.60
-2.82%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $296.55B
GSK
GlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR
$51.84
-1.01%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $104.38B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 80% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $32.67B). GSK leads profitability with a 17.5% profit margin vs 17.4%. GSK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. GSK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
GSK
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+32.8%
Fair Value
$306.07
Current Price
$183.60
$122.47 discount
Margin of Safety
+66.2%
Fair Value
$173.16
Current Price
$51.84
$121.32 discount
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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit
Earnings expanding 54.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 9.5x book value
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, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.5% and operating margin at 18.9%. 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 Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a value stock while GSK is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
GSK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.32 — expect wider price swings.
GSK is growing revenue faster at 6.2% — sustainability is the question.
GSK generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
GSK scores higher overall (70/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 17.5% margins. AZN offers better value entry with a 32.8% 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.
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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