WallStSmart

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc (APLS)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Johnson & Johnson generates 9500% more annual revenue ($96.36B vs $1.00B). JNJ leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs 2.2%. JNJ trades at a lower P/E of 26.3x. JNJ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

APLS

Avoid

27

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 5.3Profit: 4.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -2.39

JNJ

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.64
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APLSUndervalued (+88.4%)

Margin of Safety

+88.4%

Fair Value

$193.03

Current Price

$40.95

$152.08 discount

UndervaluedFair: $193.03Overvalued
JNJSignificantly Overvalued (-43.5%)

Margin of Safety

-43.5%

Fair Value

$160.13

Current Price

$227.35

$67.22 premium

UndervaluedFair: $160.13Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APLS0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

JNJ5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$547.28B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
26.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
21.8%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
27.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.47B8/10

Generating 1.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

APLS4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Price/BookValuation
14.0x4/10

Trading at 14.0x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Return on EquityProfitability
7.5%3/10

ROE of 7.5% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
2.2%3/10

2.2% margin — thin

JNJ3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

PEG RatioValuation
2.962/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-52.9%2/10

Earnings declined 52.9%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APLS

APLS has a balanced fundamental profile.

Bull Case : JNJ

The strongest argument for JNJ centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.8% and operating margin at 27.4%.

Bear Case : APLS

The primary concerns for APLS are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. A P/E of 227.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : JNJ

The primary concerns for JNJ are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APLS profiles as a value stock while JNJ is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

JNJ carries more volatility with a beta of 0.33 — expect wider price swings.

JNJ is growing revenue faster at 9.9% — sustainability is the question.

JNJ generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

JNJ scores higher overall (59/100 vs 27/100), backed by strong 21.8% margins. APLS offers better value entry with a 88.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of therapeutic compounds through inhibition of the complement system for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The company is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

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Johnson & Johnson

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is an American multinational corporation founded in 1886 that develops medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer packaged goods. Its common stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the company is ranked No. 36 on the 2021 Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by total revenue. Johnson & Johnson is one of the world's most valuable companies, and is one of only two U.S.-based companies that has a prime credit rating of AAA, higher than that of the United States government.

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