WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CVS Health Corp generates 321% more annual revenue ($405.62B vs $96.36B). JNJ leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs 0.7%. CVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.23. CVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

CVS

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 4.0Value: 8.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.11

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

CVSUndervalued (+77.8%)

Margin of Safety

+77.8%

Fair Value

$346.22

Current Price

$92.22

$254.00 discount

UndervaluedFair: $346.22Overvalued
JNJSignificantly Overvalued (-43.1%)

Margin of Safety

-43.1%

Fair Value

$160.99

Current Price

$221.43

$60.44 premium

UndervaluedFair: $160.99Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2310/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
63.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 63.1% YoY

Market CapQuality
$111.47B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.40B8/10

Generating 3.4B in free cash flow

JNJ5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$554.67B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
26.4%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

CVS4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
3.8%3/10

ROE of 3.8% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.7%3/10

0.7% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.1%3/10

Operating margin of 4.1%

JNJ3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.7x4/10

Moderate valuation

PEG RatioValuation
2.882/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-52.9%2/10

Earnings declined 52.9%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CVS

The strongest argument for CVS centers on PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Market Cap. PEG of 0.23 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 : CVS

The primary concerns for CVS are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 0.7% 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 0.59 — expect wider price swings.

JNJ is growing revenue faster at 9.9% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

CVS scores higher overall (65/100 vs 59/100). 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.

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.

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?