WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Johnson & Johnson generates 70% more annual revenue ($96.36B vs $56.58B). NVS leads profitability with a 23.9% profit margin vs 21.8%. JNJ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.06. JNJ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

JNJ

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

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

NVS

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

JNJSignificantly Overvalued (-73.2%)

Margin of Safety

-73.2%

Fair Value

$135.80

Current Price

$232.77

$96.97 premium

UndervaluedFair: $135.80Overvalued
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-65.2%)

Margin of Safety

-65.2%

Fair Value

$91.39

Current Price

$148.38

$56.99 premium

UndervaluedFair: $91.39Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

JNJ5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$567.28B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
25.9%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

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$289.19B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
35.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
30.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.5%

Profit MarginProfitability
23.9%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.87B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

JNJ3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

PEG RatioValuation
3.062/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-52.9%2/10

Earnings declined 52.9%

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.223/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
4.112/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.7%2/10

Revenue declined 0.7%

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 : NVS

The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.9% and operating margin at 30.5%.

Bear Case : JNJ

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

Bear Case : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

NVS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.49 — expect wider price swings.

JNJ is growing revenue faster at 9.9% — sustainability is the question.

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

JNJ scores higher overall (57/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 21.8% 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.

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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.

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