WallStSmart

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)vsLigand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (LGND)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Johnson & Johnson generates 35008% more annual revenue ($96.36B vs $274.48M). LGND leads profitability with a 55.9% profit margin vs 21.8%. LGND appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.53. LGND earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

JNJ

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.64

LGND

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.5Value: 3.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.79
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

JNJSignificantly Overvalued (-67.8%)

Margin of Safety

-67.8%

Fair Value

$136.12

Current Price

$232.77

$96.65 premium

UndervaluedFair: $136.12Overvalued
LGNDSignificantly Overvalued (-15.9%)

Margin of Safety

-15.9%

Fair Value

$160.49

Current Price

$237.00

$76.51 premium

UndervaluedFair: $160.49Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

JNJ5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$567.28B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
25.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
21.8%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
27.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.47B8/10

Generating 1.5B in free cash flow

LGND3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
55.9%10/10

Keeps 56 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
33.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
103.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 103.2% YoY

Areas to Watch

JNJ3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

PEG RatioValuation
3.062/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-52.9%2/10

Earnings declined 52.9%

LGND2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.534/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
33.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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%.

Bull Case : LGND

The strongest argument for LGND centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 55.9% and operating margin at 33.6%. Revenue growth of 14.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : JNJ

The primary concerns for JNJ are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : LGND

The primary concerns for LGND are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LGND carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.

LGND is growing revenue faster at 14.1% — sustainability is the question.

JNJ generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

LGND scores higher overall (67/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 55.9% margins and 14.1% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.

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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Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on developing or acquiring technologies that help pharmaceutical companies discover and develop drugs globally. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.

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