AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsIonis Pharmaceuticals Inc (IONS)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$187.37
+1.17%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.11B
IONS
Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc
$74.76
-0.09%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $11.85B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 6124% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $943.71M). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs -40.4%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.54. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
IONS
Avoid21
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+4.1%
Fair Value
$214.51
Current Price
$187.37
$27.14 discount
Margin of Safety
+45.3%
Fair Value
$154.06
Current Price
$74.76
$79.30 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
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 24.9x book value
ROE of -70.8% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 10.3%
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 : IONS
IONS has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : IONS
The primary concerns for IONS are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a value stock while IONS is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
IONS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.40 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 4.1% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 21/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. IONS offers better value entry with a 45.3% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. discovers and develops RNA-targeted therapies in the United States. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.
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