AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsAltria Group (MO)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.78
+0.93%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $284.63B
MO
Altria Group
$63.78
-0.84%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $107.97B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 192% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $20.14B). MO leads profitability with a 34.5% profit margin vs 17.4%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AZN
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
MO
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
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
-135.3%
Fair Value
$28.02
Current Price
$63.78
$35.76 premium
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
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 57.1%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 3.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 0.5%
Earnings declined 62.9%
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 : MO
The strongest argument for MO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.5% and operating margin at 57.1%.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : MO
The primary concerns for MO are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a value stock while MO is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
MO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.43 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 4.1% — sustainability is the question.
MO generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (66/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Altria Group
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Altria Group, Inc. (previously known as Philip Morris Companies, Inc.) is an American corporation and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes and related products. It operates worldwide and is headquartered in unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia, just outside the city of Richmond.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?