WallStSmart

CVS Health Corp (CVS)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CVS Health Corp generates 321% more annual revenue ($412.64B vs $97.93B). JNJ leads profitability with a 21.5% profit margin vs 1.2%. CVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.22. CVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

CVS

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 4.0Value: 8.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.11

JNJ

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.5Value: 2.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.64
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CVSUndervalued (+45.4%)

Margin of Safety

+45.4%

Fair Value

$141.12

Current Price

$94.66

$46.46 discount

UndervaluedFair: $141.12Overvalued
JNJSignificantly Overvalued (-88.9%)

Margin of Safety

-88.9%

Fair Value

$140.57

Current Price

$265.58

$125.01 premium

UndervaluedFair: $140.57Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2210/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
188.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 188.8% YoY

Market CapQuality
$121.07B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$5.65B8/10

Generating 5.7B in free cash flow

JNJ5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$640.02B10/10

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
29.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.39B8/10

Generating 3.4B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CVS4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
6.2%3/10

ROE of 6.2% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.2%3/10

1.2% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.9%3/10

Operating margin of 3.9%

JNJ3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
30.9x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

PEG RatioValuation
2.792/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-0.9%2/10

Earnings declined 0.9%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CVS

The strongest argument for CVS centers on PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Market Cap. PEG of 0.22 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 21.5% and operating margin at 29.2%.

Bear Case : CVS

The primary concerns for CVS are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 1.2% 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

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

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

CVS is growing revenue faster at 7.1% — sustainability is the question.

CVS generates stronger free cash flow (5.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CVS scores higher overall (67/100 vs 59/100). Both earn "Strong 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.

CVS Health Corp

HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA

CVS Health (previously CVS Corporation and CVS Caremark Corporation) is an American healthcare company that owns CVS Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy chain; CVS Caremark, a pharmacy benefits manager; Aetna, a health insurance provider, among many other brands. The company's headquarters is in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

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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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