AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$169.64
-0.99%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $263.09B
NVS
Novartis AG ADR
$156.15
-1.45%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $290.96B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 8% more annual revenue ($61.37B vs $56.69B). NVS leads profitability with a 22.5% profit margin vs 17.0%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
NVS
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+13.9%
Fair Value
$196.93
Current Price
$169.64
$27.29 discount
Margin of Safety
-70.9%
Fair Value
$92.73
Current Price
$156.15
$63.42 premium
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 31.8%
Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 5.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
2.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
0.8% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 1.47 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : NVS
The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.5% and operating margin at 31.8%.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : NVS
The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while NVS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NVS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.49 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 6.4% — sustainability is the question.
NVS generates stronger free cash flow (5.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (60/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 17.0% 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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