AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsMastercard Inc (MA)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.78
+0.93%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $284.63B
MA
Mastercard Inc
$502.76
+0.77%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $445.26B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 79% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $32.79B). MA leads profitability with a 45.7% profit margin vs 17.4%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
AZN
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
MA
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
$185.78
$120.29 discount
Margin of Safety
+33.1%
Fair Value
$751.54
Current Price
$502.76
$248.78 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 57.7%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
17.6% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 24.2% YoY
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 2.1% — below average capital efficiency
Trading at 58.1x book value
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 : MA
The strongest argument for MA centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.7% and operating margin at 57.7%. Revenue growth of 17.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : MA
The primary concerns for MA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.45 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a value stock while MA is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.84 — expect wider price swings.
MA is growing revenue faster at 17.6% — sustainability is the question.
MA generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MA scores higher overall (70/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 45.7% margins and 17.6% revenue growth. AZN offers better value entry with a 32.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.
Mastercard Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Mastercard Incorporated is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in the Mastercard International Global Headquarters in Purchase, New York. The Global Operations Headquarters is located in O'Fallon, Missouri, a municipality of St. Charles County, Missouri. Throughout the world, its principal business is to process payments between the banks of merchants and the card-issuing banks or credit unions of the purchasers who use the Mastercard brand debit, credit and prepaid cards to make purchases. Mastercard Worldwide has been a publicly traded company since 2006.
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