On the stock market since 1989, it operates in the world of health and science. Now — the numbers.
This is an established company with proven profits.
No real growth.
The gap is $5.7B. In times of high interest rates, a gap like that can squeeze a company.
The stock trades near its peak today. For long-term holders the ride has paid off so far — though past performance guarantees nothing about the future.
The net profit margin is 16% — that slice of every sale is the company’s cushion in hard quarters.
Over the last 3 years, sales grew only 0% a year on average. At this size, speeding back up is not easy.
On our five-subject report card, STJ sits behind the class. A low grade doesn’t mean “doomed” — it means “big claim, small proof.”
The takeaway: STJ is an established business that has proven its profits for years. The real debate isn’t the quality of the business — it’s whether the price paid for the stock is too high.