JNJ or AZN: Which Pharma Giant is a Better Buy Post Q2 Results?

Core Insights - Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and AstraZeneca (AZN) are among the largest pharmaceutical companies globally, with diversified healthcare portfolios [1][2] - J&J's pharmaceutical division has a varied revenue stream across multiple therapeutic areas, while AstraZeneca leads in oncology, with oncology sales comprising 43% of total revenues [1][2] - J&J exceeded Q2 estimates for earnings and sales, raising its 2025 guidance, while AstraZeneca's Q2 earnings met estimates, and sales exceeded expectations [3][10] Summary of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) - J&J's diversified business model, with over 275 subsidiaries, allows it to withstand economic cycles effectively [4] - The Innovative Medicine unit showed a 2.4% sales increase in Q2 2025, with expectations of over $57 billion in sales for 2025 and a growth rate of 5% to 7% from 2025 to 2030 [5][6] - J&J's MedTech segment sales rose 6.1% in Q2, driven by Cardiovascular, Surgery, and Vision [6] - The company is advancing its pipeline and has made acquisitions to strengthen its market position, including the recent acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies [7] - J&J's sales are impacted by the loss of exclusivity for Stelara, which saw a 42.7% decline in sales in Q2 2025 [9] - J&J's EPS estimate for 2025 rose to $10.86, with a dividend yield of 3.2% [10][26] Summary of AstraZeneca (AZN) - AstraZeneca has 16 blockbuster medicines, with sales exceeding $1 billion, and expects to generate $80 billion in total revenues by 2030 [12][14] - The company anticipates industry-leading top-line growth from 2025 to 2030, with plans to launch 20 new medicines [14] - AstraZeneca's oncology sales rose 16% in the first half of 2025, contributing significantly to its revenue [2] - The company faces challenges from the Part D redesign affecting key drugs and potential inclusion of Farxiga in China's VBP plans [15] - AstraZeneca's EPS estimate for 2025 increased to $4.54, with a planned annual dividend increase to $3.20 per share [17][19] Comparative Analysis - J&J's stock has risen 15.8% year-to-date, while AstraZeneca's stock has increased by 13.1% [22] - J&J's price/earnings ratio is 14.80, slightly lower than AstraZeneca's 15.11, indicating a more attractive valuation for J&J [24] - J&J is viewed as a better investment choice due to its improving growth prospects, rising estimates, and better valuation compared to AstraZeneca [29][30]