Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
$266.19
-1.62%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $657.68B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$144.70
-2.49%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $368.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Johnson & Johnson generates 47% more annual revenue ($99.33B vs $67.38B). JNJ leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 3.6%. MRK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.82. JNJ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).
JNJ
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
MRK
Hold44
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-89.3%
Fair Value
$144.28
Current Price
$266.19
$121.91 premium
Margin of Safety
-76.6%
Fair Value
$84.66
Current Price
$144.70
$60.04 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 25.7%
Generating 6.4B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 41.2%
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 95.9%
Trading at 8.5x book value
4.7% revenue growth
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
3.6% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 25.7%.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : JNJ
The primary concerns for JNJ are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 41.5x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity. A P/E of 151.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
JNJ profiles as a mature stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MRK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.22 — 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 (54/100 vs 44/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Visit Website →Merck & Company Inc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Merck & Co. is an American multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Kenilworth, New Jersey. It is named after the Merck family, which set up Merck Group in Germany in 1668.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
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