ICON PLC (ICLR)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)
ICLR
ICON PLC
$214.16
+17.04%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $13.13B
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
$271.17
+0.86%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $615.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Johnson & Johnson generates 1098% more annual revenue ($99.33B vs $8.29B). JNJ leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 0.3%. ICLR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. JNJ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
ICLR
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
JNJ
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+60.6%
Fair Value
$337.64
Current Price
$214.16
$123.48 discount
Margin of Safety
-83.0%
Fair Value
$144.12
Current Price
$271.17
$127.05 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
Strong operational efficiency at 25.1%
Generating 6.4B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
1.2% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 0.7% — below average capital efficiency
0.3% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 96.0%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ICLR
The strongest argument for ICLR centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.50 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : JNJ
The strongest argument for JNJ centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.2% and operating margin at 25.1%.
Bear Case : ICLR
The primary concerns for ICLR are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. A P/E of 179.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : JNJ
The primary concerns for JNJ are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ICLR profiles as a value stock while JNJ is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ICLR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.
JNJ is growing revenue faster at 5.9% — sustainability is the question.
JNJ generates stronger free cash flow (6.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
JNJ scores higher overall (57/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins. ICLR offers better value entry with a 60.6% margin of safety. 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.
ICON PLC
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
ICON Public Limited Company, a clinical research organization, provides outsourced marketing and development services in Ireland, the rest of Europe, the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
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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