Charles River Laboratories (CRL)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)
CRL
Charles River Laboratories
$177.62
-2.23%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $8.97B
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
$221.32
-0.53%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $535.63B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Johnson & Johnson generates 2300% more annual revenue ($96.36B vs $4.02B). JNJ leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs -3.6%. CRL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.13. JNJ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
CRL
Hold39
out of 100
Grade: F
JNJ
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+21.0%
Fair Value
$210.15
Current Price
$177.62
$32.53 discount
Margin of Safety
-38.5%
Fair Value
$160.72
Current Price
$221.32
$60.60 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 27.4%
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Operating margin of 4.5%
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -4.2% — below average capital efficiency
Moderate valuation
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 52.9%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CRL
The strongest argument for CRL centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.13 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : CRL
The primary concerns for CRL are Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : JNJ
The primary concerns for JNJ are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CRL profiles as a turnaround stock while JNJ is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CRL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — 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 39/100), backed by strong 21.8% margins. CRL offers better value entry with a 21.0% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Charles River Laboratories
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., is an American pharmaceutical company specializing in a variety of preclinical and clinical laboratory, gene therapy and cell therapy services for the Pharmaceutical, Medical device and Biotechnology industries. It also supplies assorted biomedical products and outsourcing services for research and development in the pharmaceutical industry and offer support in the fields of basic research, drug discovery, safety and efficacy, clinical support, and manufacturing.
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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