Johnson & Johnson Stock: Bull vs. Bear

Over the bulk of the prior decade, shares of the diversified healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) consistently delivered market-beating returns (when including its dividend as part of the total return on capital). Investors flocked to it for its rock-solid balance sheet, its status as a Dividend Aristocrat, and its unique ability to continually bring fresh new blockbuster pharmaceutical products to market in a timely manner.

Since the start of the current decade, however, J&J's shares have largely lagged behind the broader markets. The stock has lost its luster of late due to the litigation over its baby powder; a lack of enthusiasm among investors for the $30 billion acquisition of Actelion, a maker of pulmonary arterial hypertension treatments; its premium valuation, along with the comparatively underwhelming sales of its COVID-19 vaccine.

Can J&J's stock return to its former market-beating ways or should investors move on to greener pastures? Here is a look at both sides of the issue from two of our healthcare contributors.

Source Fool.com