Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (IONS)vsModerna Inc (MRNA)
IONS
Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc
$54.21
-2.59%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $9.65B
MRNA
Moderna Inc
$143.97
+5.38%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $56.02B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Moderna Inc generates 155% more annual revenue ($2.23B vs $874.09M). IONS leads profitability with a -64.7% profit margin vs -141.4%. MRNA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 21/100 (F).
IONS
Avoid20
out of 100
Grade: F
MRNA
Avoid21
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+36.7%
Fair Value
$133.22
Current Price
$54.21
$79.01 discount
Margin of Safety
+70.0%
Fair Value
$134.97
Current Price
$143.97
$9.00 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
No standout strengths identified
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 20.4x book value
ROE of -66.5% — below average capital efficiency
Trading at 8.5x book value
2.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -46.6% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : IONS
IONS has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bull Case : MRNA
The strongest argument for MRNA centers on Market Cap, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : IONS
The primary concerns for IONS are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 5.50 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : MRNA
The primary concerns for MRNA are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MRNA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.
MRNA is growing revenue faster at 2.1% — sustainability is the question.
IONS generates stronger free cash flow (549M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor BIOTECHNOLOGY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MRNA scores higher overall (21/100 vs 20/100). IONS offers better value entry with a 36.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Avoid" 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 →Moderna Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Moderna, Inc., a biotechnology company, develops messenger RNA-based vaccines and therapies for the treatment of infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune diseases. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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