Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
$269.99
-0.09%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $640.02B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$146.87
-0.19%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $355.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Johnson & Johnson generates 47% more annual revenue ($97.93B vs $66.57B). JNJ leads profitability with a 21.5% profit margin vs 4.8%. MRK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.64. JNJ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
JNJ
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for JNJ.
Margin of Safety
-77.2%
Fair Value
$83.04
Current Price
$146.87
$63.83 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 29.2%
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.9%
Trading at 8.6x book value
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
4.8% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : JNJ
The primary concerns for JNJ are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 116.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
JNJ profiles as a mature stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
JNJ carries more volatility with a beta of 0.23 — expect wider price swings.
JNJ is growing revenue faster at 6.6% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
JNJ scores higher overall (59/100 vs 36/100), backed by strong 21.5% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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 →Merck & Company Inc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Merck & Co. is an American multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Kenilworth, New Jersey. It is named after the Merck family, which set up Merck Group in Germany in 1668.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
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