AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsMcKesson Corporation (MCK)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.78
+0.93%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $284.63B
MCK
McKesson Corporation
$879.75
-0.25%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $108.85B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McKesson Corporation generates 578% more annual revenue ($397.96B vs $58.74B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 1.1%. MCK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.07. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AZN
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
MCK
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
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
+41.2%
Fair Value
$1622.09
Current Price
$879.75
$742.34 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
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 38.0% YoY
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
1.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.6%
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 : MCK
The strongest argument for MCK centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.07 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : MCK
The primary concerns for MCK are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 1.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.35 — expect wider price swings.
MCK is growing revenue faster at 11.4% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (66/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. MCK offers better value entry with a 41.2% 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.
McKesson Corporation
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
McKesson Corporation is an American company distributing pharmaceuticals and providing health information technology, medical supplies, and care management tools.
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