WallStSmart

Accenture plc (ACN)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Accenture plc generates 11% more annual revenue ($72.11B vs $65.01B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 10.6%. ACN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. ACN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

ACN

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.79

MRK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ACNSignificantly Overvalued (-19.5%)

Margin of Safety

-19.5%

Fair Value

$160.91

Current Price

$192.29

$31.38 premium

UndervaluedFair: $160.91Overvalued
MRKSignificantly Overvalued (-141.2%)

Margin of Safety

-141.2%

Fair Value

$49.50

Current Price

$119.37

$69.87 premium

UndervaluedFair: $49.50Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACN4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$118.34B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
24.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.67B8/10

Generating 3.7B in free cash flow

MRK6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$287.71B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
36.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
32.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.8%

Profit MarginProfitability
28.1%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.82B8/10

Generating 1.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ACN3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
4.0%4/10

4.0% earnings growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

MRK3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.492/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.3%2/10

Earnings declined 19.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACN

The strongest argument for ACN centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.

Bull Case : MRK

The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.1% and operating margin at 32.8%.

Bear Case : ACN

The primary concerns for ACN are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : MRK

The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ACN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.25 — expect wider price swings.

ACN is growing revenue faster at 8.3% — sustainability is the question.

ACN generates stronger free cash flow (3.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ACN scores higher overall (60/100 vs 59/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Accenture plc

TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA

Accenture plc is an Irish-domiciled multinational company that provides consulting and processing services. It has been incorporated in Dublin, Ireland since 2009.

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?