AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) vs Pfizer Inc. (PFE)

AZN leads on 8 of 15 compared metrics, though PFE is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of AstraZeneca PLC and Pfizer Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — AZN vs PFE

growth of $100 · last 30y
AZN +723.4%PFE +128.5%AZN compounded faster
2004006008001kStart $100200120062011201620212026$823$229
AZN PFE

AZN vs PFE: by the numbers

  • AZN is the larger company ($277.22B vs $149.38B market cap).
  • PFE trades at the lower earnings multiple (20.01 vs 26.92 P/E).
  • AZN converts more revenue to profit (17.19% vs 11.83% net margin).
  • AZN grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.99% vs 8.22% CAGR).
  • PFE pays the higher dividend yield (6.56% vs 1.79%).

Which is better, AZN or PFE?

Metric tally: AZN 8 · PFE 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValuePFE(lower P/E)
GrowthAZN(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomePFE(higher dividend yield)
QualityAZN(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricAZNPFE
P/E ratio26.9220.01
Forward P/E15.339.25
P/S ratio4.622.37
P/B ratio5.901.67
PEG ratio0.14
EV / EBITDA14.9212.72
FCF yield3.26%6.31%

Profitability

MetricAZNPFE
Gross margin81.68%69.35%
Operating margin23.69%23.45%
Net margin17.19%11.83%
ROE21.95%8.31%
ROIC13.03%8.84%

Dividends

MetricAZNPFE
Dividend yield1.79%6.56%
Payout ratio48.48%126.47%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAZNPFE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.99%8.22%
EPS CAGR (5Y)22.02%-3.78%
FCF CAGR (5Y)18.52%-3.79%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.03%-3.33%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AZN or PFE?
It depends on your goal. value: PFE (lower P/E); growth: AZN (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: PFE (higher dividend yield); quality: AZN (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, AZN leads 8 to 7.
Is AZN or PFE cheaper?
On trailing earnings, PFE is cheaper: AZN trades at a 26.92 P/E and PFE at 20.01.
Which has grown faster, AZN or PFE?
Over the past five years, AZN grew revenue faster — AZN at a 16.99% CAGR versus PFE at 8.22%.
Does AZN or PFE pay a bigger dividend?
AZN yields 1.79% and PFE yields 6.56% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AZN or PFE more profitable?
AZN runs the higher net margin — AZN at 17.19% versus PFE at 11.83%.
Which has been the better investment, AZN or PFE?
Over the past 10-year, AZN delivered the higher annualized total return — AZN at 15.77% versus PFE at 2.13%. 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 June 13, 2026.