WallStSmart

Ardelyx Inc (ARDX)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Johnson & Johnson generates 22431% more annual revenue ($96.36B vs $427.68M). JNJ leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs -13.6%. JNJ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

ARDX

Avoid

31

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 7.3Profit: 2.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -1.10

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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ARDX.

JNJSignificantly Overvalued (-71.4%)

Margin of Safety

-71.4%

Fair Value

$135.80

Current Price

$232.77

$96.97 premium

UndervaluedFair: $135.80Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARDX1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
27.5%8/10

Revenue surging 27.5% year-over-year

JNJ5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$536.54B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
25.9%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

ARDX4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Price/BookValuation
9.3x4/10

Trading at 9.3x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$1.41B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.403/10

Elevated debt levels

JNJ3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

PEG RatioValuation
2.912/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-52.9%2/10

Earnings declined 52.9%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARDX

The strongest argument for ARDX centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 27.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : ARDX

The primary concerns for ARDX are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Market Cap.

Bear Case : JNJ

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ARDX profiles as a growth stock while JNJ is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

ARDX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.58 — expect wider price swings.

ARDX is growing revenue faster at 27.5% — 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 31/100), backed by strong 21.8% margins. 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.

Ardelyx Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Ardelyx, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, develops and sells drugs for the treatment of kidney and cardiorenal diseases in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Fremont, California.

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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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