AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.78
+0.93%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $284.63B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$454.97
+1.42%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $113.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 389% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $12.00B). VRTX leads profitability with a 32.9% profit margin vs 17.4%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AZN
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
VRTX
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
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
+36.5%
Fair Value
$716.04
Current Price
$454.97
$261.07 discount
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
Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 39.6%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
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 : VRTX
The strongest argument for VRTX centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.9% and operating margin at 39.6%.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : VRTX
The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a value stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
VRTX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.32 — expect wider price swings.
VRTX is growing revenue faster at 9.5% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (66/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. VRTX offers better value entry with a 36.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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