AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) vs Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ)

AZN leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics, though VZ is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of AstraZeneca PLC and Verizon Communications Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — AZN vs VZ

growth of $100 · last 30y
AZN +732.9%VZ +72.0%AZN compounded faster
2004006008001kStart $100200120062011201620212026$833$172
AZN VZ

AZN vs VZ: by the numbers

  • AZN is the larger company ($277.22B vs $200.89B market cap).
  • VZ trades at the lower earnings multiple (11.73 vs 26.92 P/E).
  • AZN converts more revenue to profit (17.19% vs 12.46% net margin).
  • AZN grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.99% vs 1.44% CAGR).
  • VZ pays the higher dividend yield (5.75% vs 1.79%).

Which is better, AZN or VZ?

Metric tally: AZN 9 · VZ 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAZNVZ
P/E ratio26.9211.73
Forward P/E15.339.17
P/S ratio4.621.46
P/B ratio5.901.96
PEG ratio0.14
EV / EBITDA14.928.02
FCF yield2.89%9.90%

Profitability

MetricAZNVZ
Gross margin81.68%58.85%
Operating margin23.69%21.22%
Net margin17.19%12.46%
ROE21.95%16.78%
ROIC13.03%6.22%

Dividends

MetricAZNVZ
Dividend yield1.79%5.75%
Payout ratio48.48%68.10%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAZNVZ
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.99%1.44%
EPS CAGR (5Y)22.02%-1.14%
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.68%-1.27%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.03%2.76%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AZN or VZ?
It depends on your goal. value: VZ (lower P/E); growth: AZN (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: VZ (higher dividend yield); quality: AZN (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, AZN leads 9 to 7.
Is AZN or VZ cheaper?
On trailing earnings, VZ is cheaper: AZN trades at a 26.92 P/E and VZ at 11.73.
Which has grown faster, AZN or VZ?
Over the past five years, AZN grew revenue faster — AZN at a 16.99% CAGR versus VZ at 1.44%.
Does AZN or VZ pay a bigger dividend?
AZN yields 1.79% and VZ yields 5.75% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AZN or VZ more profitable?
AZN runs the higher net margin — AZN at 17.19% versus VZ at 12.46%.
Which has been the better investment, AZN or VZ?
Over the past 10-year, AZN delivered the higher annualized total return — AZN at 15.77% versus VZ at 4.53%. 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 15, 2026.