Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (IONS)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)
IONS
Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc
$74.48
-0.87%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $12.11B
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
$232.77
+1.07%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $536.54B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Johnson & Johnson generates 9006% more annual revenue ($96.36B vs $1.06B). JNJ leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs -30.9%. JNJ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.91. JNJ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
IONS
Avoid31
out of 100
Grade: F
JNJ
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+49.1%
Fair Value
$165.82
Current Price
$74.48
$91.34 discount
Margin of Safety
-71.4%
Fair Value
$135.80
Current Price
$232.77
$96.97 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 87.0% year-over-year
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
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 25.2x book value
ROE of -66.5% — below average capital efficiency
Moderate valuation
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 52.9%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : IONS
The strongest argument for IONS centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 87.0% 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 21.8% and operating margin at 27.4%.
Bear Case : IONS
The primary concerns for IONS are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 4.15 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : JNJ
The primary concerns for JNJ are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
IONS profiles as a hypergrowth stock while JNJ is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
IONS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.37 — expect wider price swings.
IONS is growing revenue faster at 87.0% — 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 31/100), backed by strong 21.8% margins. IONS offers better value entry with a 49.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. discovers and develops RNA-targeted therapies in the United States. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.
Visit Website →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 BIOTECHNOLOGY Stocks
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