WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 95% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $33.69B). ASML leads profitability with a 29.7% profit margin vs 13.6%. ASML appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.15. ASML earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

ASML

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 3.7Quality: 5.0

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 ASML.

MRKOvervalued (-14.9%)

Margin of Safety

-14.9%

Fair Value

$97.76

Current Price

$111.38

$13.62 premium

UndervaluedFair: $97.76Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ASML4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Market CapQuality
$595.37B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
52.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 52 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
36.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.0%

Profit MarginProfitability
29.7%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

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

ASML4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.154/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
51.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
1396.5x2/10

Trading at 1396.5x book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.61B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : ASML

The strongest argument for ASML centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.7% and operating margin at 36.0%. Revenue growth of 13.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MRK

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

Bear Case : ASML

The primary concerns for ASML are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 51.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : MRK

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ASML profiles as a mature stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

ASML carries more volatility with a beta of 1.37 — expect wider price swings.

ASML is growing revenue faster at 13.2% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

ASML scores higher overall (62/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 29.7% margins and 13.2% revenue growth. 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.

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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