AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsNational Research Corp (NRC)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$160.17
+0.33%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $252.33B
NRC
National Research Corp
$21.12
-0.66%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $476.23M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 43734% more annual revenue ($61.37B vs $140.00M). AZN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs 4.2%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.28. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
NRC
Hold42
out of 100
Grade: D
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
+51.3%
Fair Value
$28.23
Current Price
$21.12
$7.11 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
Every $100 of equity generates 89 in profit
Areas to Watch
2.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
4.0% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
4.2% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
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 : NRC
The strongest argument for NRC centers on Return on Equity. PEG of 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : NRC
The primary concerns for NRC are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin. A P/E of 89.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 13.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while NRC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NRC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.38 — 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 42/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins. NRC offers better value entry with a 51.3% margin of safety. Both earn "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.
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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