Avanos Medical Inc (AVNS)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
AVNS
Avanos Medical Inc
$25.05
+0.20%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $1.17B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$120.79
-3.46%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $285.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 9087% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $715.90M). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs -10.4%. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).
AVNS
Hold37
out of 100
Grade: F
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AVNS.
Margin of Safety
-49.3%
Fair Value
$80.88
Current Price
$120.79
$39.91 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
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -8.9% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 21.7%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AVNS
The strongest argument for AVNS centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : AVNS
The primary concerns for AVNS are Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AVNS profiles as a turnaround stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AVNS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.59 — expect wider price swings.
AVNS is growing revenue faster at 8.8% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (50/100 vs 37/100). Both earn "Hold" 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.
Avanos Medical Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA
Avanos Medical, Inc. is a medical technology company focused on providing medical device solutions to improve the quality of life for patients in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia.
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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