WallStSmart

ASML Holding NV ADR (ASML)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 99% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $32.67B). ASML leads profitability with a 29.4% profit margin vs 28.1%. ASML appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.20. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

ASML

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 9.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0

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

ASMLSignificantly Overvalued (-194.2%)

Margin of Safety

-194.2%

Fair Value

$518.82

Current Price

$1399.42

$880.60 premium

UndervaluedFair: $518.82Overvalued
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

ASML5 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Market CapQuality
$517.23B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
50.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 51 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
35.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$10.57B10/10

Generating 10.6B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
29.4%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

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

ASML4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.204/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% revenue growth

P/E RatioValuation
46.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
23.7x2/10

Trading at 23.7x book value

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 : ASML

The strongest argument for ASML centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.4% and operating margin at 35.3%.

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 : ASML

The primary concerns for ASML are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 46.5x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : MRK

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ASML carries more volatility with a beta of 1.43 — expect wider price swings.

MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.0% — sustainability is the question.

ASML generates stronger free cash flow (10.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. 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.

ASML Holding NV ADR

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

ASML Holding NV develops, produces, markets, sells and services advanced semiconductor equipment systems consisting of lithography, metrology and inspection related systems for memory and logic chip manufacturers. The company is headquartered in Veldhoven, the Netherlands.

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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