WallStSmart

Cerus Corporation (CERS)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Johnson & Johnson generates 45121% more annual revenue ($97.93B vs $216.56M). JNJ leads profitability with a 21.5% profit margin vs -4.4%. JNJ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

CERS

Avoid

31

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 6.0Profit: 2.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -5.35

JNJ

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.5Value: 4.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.64

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CERS1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
24.1%8/10

Revenue surging 24.1% year-over-year

JNJ5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$615.36B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
24.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
21.5%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
28.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.39B8/10

Generating 3.4B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CERS4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Price/BookValuation
8.4x4/10

Trading at 8.4x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$575.06M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.443/10

Elevated debt levels

JNJ3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

PEG RatioValuation
4.142/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-1.0%2/10

Earnings declined 1.0%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CERS

The strongest argument for CERS centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 24.1% 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 21.5% and operating margin at 28.6%.

Bear Case : CERS

The primary concerns for CERS 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

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

CERS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.77 — expect wider price swings.

CERS is growing revenue faster at 24.1% — sustainability is the question.

JNJ generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

JNJ scores higher overall (57/100 vs 31/100), backed by strong 21.5% 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.

Cerus Corporation

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA

Cerus Corporation, a biomedical products company, is focused on developing and commercializing the INTERCEPT Blood System to improve blood safety. The company is headquartered in Concord, California.

Visit Website →

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.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?