WallStSmart

IQVIA Holdings Inc (IQV)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Novartis AG ADR generates 247% more annual revenue ($56.67B vs $16.31B). NVS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 8.3%. IQV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.97. IQV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

IQV

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.33

NVS

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 4.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

IQVUndervalued (+49.1%)

Margin of Safety

+49.1%

Fair Value

$348.46

Current Price

$165.64

$182.82 discount

UndervaluedFair: $348.46Overvalued
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-243.7%)

Margin of Safety

-243.7%

Fair Value

$48.62

Current Price

$150.75

$102.13 premium

UndervaluedFair: $48.62Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

IQV3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
21.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.978/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.6% YoY

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$286.27B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
30.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
24.7%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
27.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.64B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

IQV1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.332/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.2%4/10

2.2% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

PEG RatioValuation
2.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-11.6%2/10

Earnings declined 11.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : IQV

The strongest argument for IQV centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 10.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.97 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : NVS

The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 27.8%.

Bear Case : IQV

The primary concerns for IQV are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

IQV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

IQV is growing revenue faster at 10.3% — sustainability is the question.

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

IQV scores higher overall (72/100 vs 51/100) and 10.3% revenue growth. 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.

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.

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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