Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (IONS)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)
IONS
Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc
$74.76
-0.09%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $11.85B
NVS
Novartis AG ADR
$147.85
+3.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $280.79B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Novartis AG ADR generates 5905% more annual revenue ($56.67B vs $943.71M). NVS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs -40.4%. NVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.53. NVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).
IONS
Avoid21
out of 100
Grade: F
NVS
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+45.3%
Fair Value
$154.06
Current Price
$74.76
$79.30 discount
Margin of Safety
-52.2%
Fair Value
$109.78
Current Price
$147.85
$38.07 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
No standout strengths identified
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 27.8%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 24.9x book value
ROE of -70.8% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 10.3%
2.2% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 11.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : IONS
IONS has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bull Case : NVS
The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 27.8%.
Bear Case : IONS
The primary concerns for IONS are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : NVS
The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
IONS profiles as a turnaround stock while NVS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NVS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.52 — expect wider price swings.
NVS is growing revenue faster at 2.2% — sustainability is the question.
NVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NVS scores higher overall (51/100 vs 21/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins. IONS offers better value entry with a 45.3% margin of safety. 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.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. discovers and develops RNA-targeted therapies in the United States. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.
Visit Website →Novartis AG ADR
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
Visit Website →Compare with Other BIOTECHNOLOGY Stocks
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