AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) vs GSK plc (GSK)

GSK leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of AstraZeneca PLC and GSK plc across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 20, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total returnAZN vs GSK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
AZN +1949.5%GSK +575.7%AZN compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,050$676
AZN GSK

AZN vs GSK: by the numbers

  • AZN is the larger company ($127.48B vs $100.22B market cap).
  • GSK trades at the lower earnings multiple (11.45 vs 12.39 P/E).
  • GSK converts more revenue to profit (17.76% vs 17.19% net margin).
  • AZN grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.99% vs 0.63% CAGR).
  • GSK pays the higher dividend yield (3.47% vs 1.95%).

Which is better, AZN or GSK?

Metric tally: AZN 7 · GSK 9

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueGSK(lower P/E)
GrowthAZN(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeGSK(higher dividend yield)
QualityGSK(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAZNGSK
P/E ratio12.3911.45
Forward P/E16.0714.46
P/S ratio2.122.39
P/B ratio2.713.39
PEG ratio0.290.02
EV / EBITDA7.698.52
FCF yield6.29%7.98%

Profitability

MetricAZNGSK
Gross margin81.68%72.67%
Operating margin23.69%25.65%
Net margin17.19%17.76%
ROE21.95%25.19%
ROIC13.03%16.61%

Dividends

MetricAZNGSK
Dividend yield1.95%3.47%
Payout ratio24.24%23.66%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAZNGSK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.99%0.63%
EPS CAGR (5Y)22.02%14.05%
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.68%-0.35%
Total return CAGR (5Y)9.53%9.66%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AZN or GSK?
It depends on your goal. value: GSK (lower P/E); growth: AZN (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: GSK (higher dividend yield); quality: GSK (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, GSK leads 9 to 7.
Is AZN or GSK cheaper?
On trailing earnings, GSK is cheaper: AZN trades at a 12.39 P/E and GSK at 11.45.
Which has grown faster, AZN or GSK?
Over the past five years, AZN grew revenue faster — AZN at a 16.99% CAGR versus GSK at 0.63%.
Does AZN or GSK pay a bigger dividend?
AZN yields 1.95% and GSK yields 3.47% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AZN or GSK more profitable?
GSK runs the higher net margin — AZN at 17.19% versus GSK at 17.76%.
Which has been the better investment, AZN or GSK?
Over the past 10-year, AZN delivered the higher annualized total return — AZN at 13.66% versus GSK at 6.23%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 20, 2026.