AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsModerna Inc (MRNA)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$160.17
+0.33%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $252.33B
MRNA
Moderna Inc
$143.97
+5.38%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $56.02B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 2654% more annual revenue ($61.37B vs $2.23B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs -141.4%. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
MRNA
Avoid21
out of 100
Grade: F
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
+70.0%
Fair Value
$134.97
Current Price
$143.97
$9.00 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
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
2.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 8.5x book value
2.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -46.6% — below average capital efficiency
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 : MRNA
The strongest argument for MRNA centers on Market Cap, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : MRNA
The primary concerns for MRNA are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while MRNA is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
MRNA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — 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 21/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins. MRNA offers better value entry with a 70.0% 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.
Moderna Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Moderna, Inc., a biotechnology company, develops messenger RNA-based vaccines and therapies for the treatment of infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune diseases. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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