WallStSmart

Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 233% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $19.78B). ACGL leads profitability with a 24.6% profit margin vs 13.6%. ACGL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.06. ACGL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).

ACGL

Strong Buy

79

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 5/9

MRK

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 8.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 2/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ACGL.

MRKOvervalued (-13.8%)

Margin of Safety

-13.8%

Fair Value

$97.84

Current Price

$111.38

$13.54 premium

UndervaluedFair: $97.84Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACGL6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
94.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 94.6% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
21.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
24.6%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.119/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

MRK3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$277.36B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.93B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ACGL1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
-3.3%2/10

Revenue declined 3.3%

MRK4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
5.282/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACGL

The strongest argument for ACGL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.6% and operating margin at 25.3%. PEG of 1.06 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MRK

The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : ACGL

The primary concerns for ACGL are Revenue Growth.

Bear Case : MRK

The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ACGL profiles as a declining stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

ACGL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.33 — expect wider price swings.

MRK is growing revenue faster at 4.9% — sustainability is the question.

MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ACGL scores higher overall (79/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 24.6% margins. Both earn "Strong 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.

Arch Capital Group Ltd.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Arch Capital Group Ltd., offers insurance, reinsurance and mortgage products worldwide. The company is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?