AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsNational Research Corp (NRC)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$187.37
+1.17%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.11B
NRC
National Research Corp
$16.46
-0.48%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $389.19M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 42653% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $137.39M). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 8.4%. NRC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
NRC
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
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
+56.3%
Fair Value
$31.44
Current Price
$16.46
$14.98 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
Every $100 of equity generates 51 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.2%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Trading at 26.5x book value
Revenue declined 4.6%
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 : NRC
The strongest argument for NRC centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin. PEG of 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : NRC
The primary concerns for NRC are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NRC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.41 — 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.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. NRC offers better value entry with a 56.3% margin of safety. Both earn "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.
National Research Corp
HEALTHCARE · HEALTH INFORMATION SERVICES · USA
National Research Corporation provides analytics and information that make it easy to measure and improve the patient and employee experience in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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