Agilent Technologies Inc (A)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
A
Agilent Technologies Inc
$167.26
+3.29%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $44.12B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$148.10
-1.88%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $355.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 803% more annual revenue ($66.57B vs $7.37B). A leads profitability with a 19.5% profit margin vs 4.8%. A appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. A earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
A
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-65.8%
Fair Value
$77.73
Current Price
$167.26
$89.53 premium
Margin of Safety
-77.2%
Fair Value
$83.04
Current Price
$148.10
$65.06 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 25.6%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Grey zone — moderate risk
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 8.7x book value
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
4.8% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : A
The strongest argument for A centers on Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.5% and operating margin at 25.6%. PEG of 1.29 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : A
The primary concerns for A are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 116.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
A profiles as a mature stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
A carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.
A is growing revenue faster at 8.1% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
A scores higher overall (63/100 vs 36/100), backed by strong 19.5% 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.
Agilent Technologies Inc
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Agilent Technologies, Inc. is an American analytical instrumentation development and manufacturing company that offers its products and services to markets worldwide. Its global headquarters is located in Santa Clara, California.
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.
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