WallStSmart

Ascendis Pharma AS (ASND)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Johnson & Johnson generates 11030% more annual revenue ($96.36B vs $865.78M). ASND leads profitability with a 57.3% profit margin vs 21.8%. ASND trades at a lower P/E of 24.7x. JNJ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

ASND

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 5.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -2.67

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 ASND.

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

ASND3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
103.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 104 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
57.3%10/10

Keeps 57 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
144.3%10/10

Revenue surging 144.3% 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

ASND4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.843/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Price/BookValuation
23.3x2/10

Trading at 23.3x book value

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 : ASND

The strongest argument for ASND centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 57.3% and operating margin at 10.1%. Revenue growth of 144.3% 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 : ASND

The primary concerns for ASND are EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.84 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : JNJ

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

ASND carries more volatility with a beta of 0.48 — expect wider price swings.

ASND is growing revenue faster at 144.3% — 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 55/100), backed by strong 21.8% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

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

Ascendis Pharma AS

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Ascendis Pharma A / S, a biopharmaceutical company, develops therapies for unmet medical needs. The company is headquartered in Hellerup, Denmark.

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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