AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsICON PLC (ICLR)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$160.17
+0.33%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $252.33B
ICLR
ICON PLC
$169.31
+2.18%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $12.22B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 640% more annual revenue ($61.37B vs $8.29B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs 0.3%. ICLR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
ICLR
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+18.4%
Fair Value
$196.10
Current Price
$160.17
$35.93 discount
Margin of Safety
+61.0%
Fair Value
$341.51
Current Price
$169.31
$172.20 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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
2.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
1.2% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 0.7% — below average capital efficiency
0.3% margin — thin
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 1.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : ICLR
The strongest argument for ICLR centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.50 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : ICLR
The primary concerns for ICLR are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. A P/E of 247.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while ICLR is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ICLR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 6.4% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (2.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (60/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins. ICLR offers better value entry with a 61.0% 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.
ICON PLC
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
ICON Public Limited Company, a clinical research organization, provides outsourced marketing and development services in Ireland, the rest of Europe, the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
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