AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsSTERIS plc (STE)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.95
-1.94%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $282.69B
STE
STERIS plc
$212.35
+0.05%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $20.23B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 918% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $5.94B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs 13.2%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.39. STE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
STE
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+8.2%
Fair Value
$194.77
Current Price
$185.95
$8.82 discount
Margin of Safety
-52.2%
Fair Value
$159.97
Current Price
$212.35
$52.38 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 27.9%
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Earnings expanding 52.2% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 20.0%
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Moderate valuation
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 27.9%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : STE
The strongest argument for STE centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. PEG of 1.41 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : STE
The primary concerns for STE are P/E Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while STE is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
STE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 12.5% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
STE scores higher overall (70/100 vs 64/100). 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.
STERIS plc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA
Steris Corporation is an American Irish-domiciled medical equipment company specializing in sterilization and surgical products for the US healthcare system.
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