WallStSmart

Cross Country Healthcare Inc (CCRN)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Novartis AG ADR generates 5547% more annual revenue ($56.58B vs $1.00B). NVS leads profitability with a 23.9% profit margin vs -9.8%. NVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.93. NVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 49/100 (D+).

CCRN

Hold

36

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 2.0Value: 5.7Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.82

NVS

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CCRNUndervalued (+39.9%)

Margin of Safety

+39.9%

Fair Value

$13.76

Current Price

$13.18

$0.58 discount

UndervaluedFair: $13.76Overvalued
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-62.1%)

Margin of Safety

-62.1%

Fair Value

$91.39

Current Price

$148.38

$56.99 premium

UndervaluedFair: $91.39Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CCRN3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.8210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$273.77B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
35.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
30.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.5%

Profit MarginProfitability
23.9%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.87B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CCRN4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Market CapQuality
$407.14M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

PEG RatioValuation
11.462/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-31.5%2/10

ROE of -31.5% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-17.8%2/10

Revenue declined 17.8%

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.223/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
3.932/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.7%2/10

Revenue declined 0.7%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CCRN

The strongest argument for CCRN centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bull Case : NVS

The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.9% and operating margin at 30.5%.

Bear Case : CCRN

The primary concerns for CCRN are Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CCRN profiles as a turnaround stock while NVS is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

NVS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.49 — expect wider price swings.

NVS is growing revenue faster at -0.7% — sustainability is the question.

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NVS scores higher overall (49/100 vs 36/100), backed by strong 23.9% margins. CCRN offers better value entry with a 39.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Hold" 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.

Cross Country Healthcare Inc

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. provides talent management and other consulting services for healthcare clients in the United States. The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida.

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Novartis AG ADR

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

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