AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsSouthern Company (SO)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.78
+0.93%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $284.63B
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 99% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $29.55B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 14.7%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AZN
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+32.8%
Fair Value
$306.07
Current Price
$185.78
$120.29 discount
Margin of Safety
-254.9%
Fair Value
$26.66
Current Price
$94.61
$67.95 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
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.41 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — 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 (66/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. Both earn "Strong 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.
Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?