AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsUniversal Corporation (UVV)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$182.85
+0.18%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $286.68B
UVV
Universal Corporation
$53.70
-0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.34B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 1976% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $2.91B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs 2.9%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
UVV
Hold45
out of 100
Grade: D+
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
+33.4%
Fair Value
$79.32
Current Price
$53.70
$25.62 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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency
2.9% margin — thin
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 17.2% and operating margin at 28.2%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : UVV
The strongest argument for UVV centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : UVV
The primary concerns for UVV are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 2.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while UVV is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
UVV carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — 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
AZN scores higher overall (62/100 vs 45/100), backed by strong 17.2% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. UVV offers better value entry with a 33.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Universal Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Universal Corporation processes and supplies leaf tobacco and plant ingredients worldwide. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
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