WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Novartis AG ADR generates 241% more annual revenue ($56.69B vs $16.63B). NVS leads profitability with a 22.5% profit margin vs 8.3%. IQV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.83. IQV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

IQV

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 6.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.23

NVS

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

IQVUndervalued (+8.8%)

Margin of Safety

+8.8%

Fair Value

$194.22

Current Price

$247.56

$53.34 discount

UndervaluedFair: $194.22Overvalued
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-68.7%)

Margin of Safety

-68.7%

Fair Value

$92.54

Current Price

$158.83

$66.29 premium

UndervaluedFair: $92.54Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

IQV2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
22.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.838/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$290.96B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
35.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
31.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.8%

Profit MarginProfitability
22.5%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.87B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

IQV4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.232/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.581/10

Elevated debt levels

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.8%4/10

0.8% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.223/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
4.152/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : IQV

The strongest argument for IQV centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.83 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : NVS

The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.5% and operating margin at 31.8%.

Bear Case : IQV

The primary concerns for IQV are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.58 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

IQV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.

IQV is growing revenue faster at 8.4% — sustainability is the question.

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

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

Bottom Line

IQV scores higher overall (61/100 vs 51/100). 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.

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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