ICON PLC (ICLR)vsIQVIA Holdings Inc (IQV)
ICLR
ICON PLC
$169.31
+2.18%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $12.22B
IQV
IQVIA Holdings Inc
$261.77
+1.74%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $42.24B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
IQVIA Holdings Inc generates 105% more annual revenue ($16.98B vs $8.29B). IQV leads profitability with a 8.1% profit margin vs 0.3%. ICLR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. IQV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).
ICLR
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
IQV
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+61.0%
Fair Value
$341.51
Current Price
$169.31
$172.20 discount
Margin of Safety
+11.9%
Fair Value
$201.21
Current Price
$261.77
$60.56 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
1.2% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 0.7% — below average capital efficiency
0.3% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 0.6%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ICLR
The strongest argument for ICLR centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.50 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : IQV
The strongest argument for IQV centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.97 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ICLR
The primary concerns for ICLR are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. A P/E of 247.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : IQV
The primary concerns for IQV are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ICLR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
IQV is growing revenue faster at 8.7% — sustainability is the question.
IQV generates stronger free cash flow (360M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
IQV scores higher overall (55/100 vs 51/100). ICLR offers better value entry with a 61.0% margin of safety. Both earn "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.
ICON PLC
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
ICON Public Limited Company, a clinical research organization, provides outsourced marketing and development services in Ireland, the rest of Europe, the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
IQVIA Holdings Inc
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
IQVIA, formerly Quintiles and IMS Health, Inc., is an American multinational company serving the combined industries of health information technology and clinical research. It is a provider of biopharmaceutical development and commercial outsourcing services, focused primarily on Phase I-IV clinical trials and associated laboratory and analytical services, including consulting services.
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