WallStSmart

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)vsLigand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (LGND)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Johnson & Johnson generates 35844% more annual revenue ($96.36B vs $268.09M). LGND leads profitability with a 46.4% profit margin vs 21.8%. LGND appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.53. LGND earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

JNJ

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.64

LGND

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 6.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 6.43
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

JNJSignificantly Overvalued (-40.3%)

Margin of Safety

-40.3%

Fair Value

$160.72

Current Price

$224.62

$63.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $160.72Overvalued
LGNDUndervalued (+31.7%)

Margin of Safety

+31.7%

Fair Value

$272.20

Current Price

$232.55

$39.65 discount

UndervaluedFair: $272.20Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

JNJ5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$546.90B10/10

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

LGND5 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
46.4%10/10

Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
33.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.6%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
39.4%10/10

Revenue surging 39.4% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
103.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 103.2% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
6.4310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Areas to Watch

JNJ3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

PEG RatioValuation
2.952/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-52.9%2/10

Earnings declined 52.9%

LGND2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.534/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
37.0x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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%.

Bull Case : LGND

The strongest argument for LGND centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 46.4% and operating margin at 33.6%. Revenue growth of 39.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : JNJ

The primary concerns for JNJ are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : LGND

The primary concerns for LGND are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

JNJ profiles as a mature stock while LGND is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

LGND carries more volatility with a beta of 1.00 — expect wider price swings.

LGND is growing revenue faster at 39.4% — sustainability is the question.

JNJ generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LGND scores higher overall (71/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 46.4% margins and 39.4% revenue growth. 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.

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 →

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on developing or acquiring technologies that help pharmaceutical companies discover and develop drugs globally. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?