WallStSmart

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Johnson & Johnson generates 66% more annual revenue ($94.19B vs $56.67B). JNJ leads profitability with a 28.5% profit margin vs 24.7%. JNJ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.70. JNJ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

JNJ

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.0Value: 10.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.62

NVS

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 4.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

JNJUndervalued (+53.9%)

Margin of Safety

+53.9%

Fair Value

$515.74

Current Price

$237.28

$278.46 discount

UndervaluedFair: $515.74Overvalued
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-243.7%)

Margin of Safety

-243.7%

Fair Value

$48.62

Current Price

$148.19

$99.57 premium

UndervaluedFair: $48.62Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

JNJ6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$573.82B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
35.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
28.5%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
24.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.0%

EPS GrowthGrowth
48.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 48.6% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$5.47B8/10

Generating 5.5B in free cash flow

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$296.61B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
30.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
24.7%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
27.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.64B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

JNJ1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.704/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.2%4/10

2.2% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

PEG RatioValuation
2.622/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-11.6%2/10

Earnings declined 11.6%

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 28.5% and operating margin at 24.0%.

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 : JNJ

The primary concerns for JNJ are PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

JNJ profiles as a mature stock while NVS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

NVS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.50 — expect wider price swings.

JNJ is growing revenue faster at 9.1% — sustainability is the question.

JNJ generates stronger free cash flow (5.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

JNJ scores higher overall (71/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 28.5% margins. 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 →

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?