WallStSmart

Ciena Corp (CIEN)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Johnson & Johnson generates 1738% more annual revenue ($94.19B vs $5.12B). JNJ leads profitability with a 28.5% profit margin vs 4.5%. CIEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.60. JNJ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

CIEN

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 4.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.18

JNJ

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CIENSignificantly Overvalued (-299.5%)

Margin of Safety

-299.5%

Fair Value

$74.41

Current Price

$437.70

$363.29 premium

UndervaluedFair: $74.41Overvalued
JNJUndervalued (+53.7%)

Margin of Safety

+53.7%

Fair Value

$516.67

Current Price

$239.93

$276.74 discount

UndervaluedFair: $516.67Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CIEN2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
33.1%10/10

Revenue surging 33.1% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$60.74B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

JNJ6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$578.21B10/10

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

Areas to Watch

CIEN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.604/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
2.3%4/10

2.3% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
4.5%3/10

4.5% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
270.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

JNJ1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.654/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CIEN

The strongest argument for CIEN centers on Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 33.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

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%.

Bear Case : CIEN

The primary concerns for CIEN are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. A P/E of 270.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : JNJ

The primary concerns for JNJ are PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CIEN profiles as a hypergrowth stock while JNJ is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

CIEN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.

CIEN is growing revenue faster at 33.1% — 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 54/100), 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.

Ciena Corp

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Ciena Corporation provides hardware, software, and network services that support the transport, routing, switching, aggregation, service delivery, and management of video, data, and voice traffic on communications networks worldwide. The company is headquartered in Hanover, Maryland.

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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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