AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsVerizon Communications Inc (VZ)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$185.78
+0.93%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $284.63B
VZ
Verizon Communications Inc
$50.37
-1.06%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $214.72B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Verizon Communications Inc generates 135% more annual revenue ($138.19B vs $58.74B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 12.4%. VZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.23. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AZN
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
VZ
Buy62
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
-82.4%
Fair Value
$27.61
Current Price
$50.37
$22.76 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 21.0%
Generating 4.4B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.0% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 53.3%
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : VZ
The strongest argument for VZ centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.23 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : VZ
The primary concerns for VZ are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
VZ carries more volatility with a beta of 0.28 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 4.1% — sustainability is the question.
VZ generates stronger free cash flow (4.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (66/100 vs 62/100), 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.
Verizon Communications Inc
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · TELECOM SERVICES · USA
Verizon Communications Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications conglomerate and a corporate component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company is headquartered at 1095 Avenue of the Americas in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, but is incorporated in Delaware.
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