Alcon AG (ALC)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
ALC
Alcon AG
$65.59
+1.11%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $31.51B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$150.91
+0.94%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $355.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 513% more annual revenue ($66.57B vs $10.86B). ALC leads profitability with a 5.9% profit margin vs 4.8%. ALC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.18. ALC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).
ALC
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-22.2%
Fair Value
$64.96
Current Price
$65.59
$0.63 premium
Margin of Safety
-77.2%
Fair Value
$83.04
Current Price
$150.91
$67.87 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency
5.9% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 8.9x book value
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
4.8% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALC
The strongest argument for ALC centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity. PEG of 1.18 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 : ALC
The primary concerns for ALC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 50.5x leaves little room for execution misses.
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
ALC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.70 — expect wider price swings.
ALC is growing revenue faster at 8.7% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ALC scores higher overall (51/100 vs 36/100). 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.
Alcon AG
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Alcon, Inc., an eye care company, researches, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells eye care products for eye care professionals and their patients around the world. The company is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES Stocks
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