AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$188.93
+0.27%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $296.55B
NVS
Novartis AG ADR
$148.19
-1.08%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $296.61B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 4% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $56.67B). NVS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 17.4%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.56. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
NVS
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+32.8%
Fair Value
$306.07
Current Price
$188.93
$117.14 discount
Margin of Safety
-243.7%
Fair Value
$48.62
Current Price
$148.19
$99.57 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 27.8%
Generating 1.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.2% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 11.6%
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 : NVS
The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 27.8%.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : NVS
The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NVS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.50 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 4.1% — sustainability is the question.
NVS generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. 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.
Novartis AG ADR
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
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