ICON PLC (ICLR)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)
ICLR
ICON PLC
$169.31
+2.18%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $12.22B
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
$265.58
-0.29%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $640.02B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Johnson & Johnson generates 1081% more annual revenue ($97.93B vs $8.29B). JNJ leads profitability with a 21.5% profit margin vs 0.3%. ICLR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. JNJ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
ICLR
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
JNJ
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+61.0%
Fair Value
$341.51
Current Price
$169.31
$172.20 discount
Margin of Safety
-88.9%
Fair Value
$140.57
Current Price
$265.58
$125.01 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
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
Areas to Watch
1.2% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 0.7% — below average capital efficiency
0.3% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.9%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ICLR
The strongest argument for ICLR centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.50 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull 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%.
Bear Case : ICLR
The primary concerns for ICLR are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. A P/E of 247.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
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 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
JNJ is growing revenue faster at 6.6% — sustainability is the question.
JNJ generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
JNJ scores higher overall (59/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 21.5% margins. ICLR offers better value entry with a 61.0% 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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?