Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (IONS)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)
IONS
Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc
$44.39
-1.14%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $7.31B
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
$275.19
+1.53%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $615.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Johnson & Johnson generates 11264% more annual revenue ($99.33B vs $874.09M). JNJ leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs -64.7%. JNJ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.82. JNJ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
IONS
Avoid20
out of 100
Grade: F
JNJ
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+35.8%
Fair Value
$131.43
Current Price
$44.39
$87.04 discount
Margin of Safety
-83.0%
Fair Value
$144.12
Current Price
$275.19
$131.07 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
No standout strengths identified
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 25.1%
Generating 6.4B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Trading at 16.7x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -66.5% — below average capital efficiency
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 96.0%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : IONS
IONS has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bull Case : JNJ
The strongest argument for JNJ centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.2% and operating margin at 25.1%.
Bear Case : IONS
The primary concerns for IONS are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 5.50 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : JNJ
The primary concerns for JNJ are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
IONS profiles as a turnaround stock while JNJ is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
IONS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.38 — expect wider price swings.
JNJ is growing revenue faster at 5.9% — sustainability is the question.
JNJ generates stronger free cash flow (6.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
JNJ scores higher overall (57/100 vs 20/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins. IONS offers better value entry with a 35.8% 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
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?