ICON PLC (ICLR)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)
ICLR
ICON PLC
$118.33
+1.86%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $9.03B
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
$229.85
+1.10%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $547.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Johnson & Johnson generates 1089% more annual revenue ($96.36B vs $8.10B). JNJ leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs 7.4%. JNJ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.96. JNJ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
ICLR
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
JNJ
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+68.2%
Fair Value
$418.77
Current Price
$118.33
$300.44 discount
Margin of Safety
-43.5%
Fair Value
$160.13
Current Price
$229.85
$69.72 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 27.4%
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
0.6% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 6.3% — below average capital efficiency
7.4% margin — thin
Moderate valuation
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 52.9%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ICLR
The strongest argument for ICLR centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.
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%.
Bear Case : ICLR
The primary concerns for ICLR are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : JNJ
The primary concerns for JNJ are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ICLR profiles as a value stock while JNJ is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ICLR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — expect wider price swings.
JNJ is growing revenue faster at 9.9% — sustainability is the question.
JNJ generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
JNJ scores higher overall (59/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 21.8% margins. ICLR offers better value entry with a 68.2% margin of safety. Both earn "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.
ICON PLC
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
ICON Public Limited Company, a clinical research organization, provides outsourced marketing and development services in Ireland, the rest of Europe, the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
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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