AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$182.85
+0.18%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $286.68B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$138.11
-2.64%
UTILITIES · Cap: $30.18B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 97% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $30.71B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs 2.8%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
NRG
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+6.6%
Fair Value
$220.34
Current Price
$182.85
$37.49 discount
Margin of Safety
+58.9%
Fair Value
$391.20
Current Price
$138.11
$253.09 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 42 in profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.8% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.3%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 17.2% and operating margin at 28.2%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : NRG
The strongest argument for NRG centers on Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : NRG
The primary concerns for NRG are Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 157.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while NRG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.
NRG is growing revenue faster at 13.7% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (62/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 17.2% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. NRG offers better value entry with a 58.9% 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.
NRG Energy Inc.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
NRG Energy, Inc. is a large American energy company, headquartered in Houston, Texas. It was formerly the wholesale arm of Northern States Power Company (NSP), which became Xcel Energy, but became independent in 2000. NRG Energy is involved in energy generation and retail electricity.
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