Avantor Inc (AVTR)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
AVTR
Avantor Inc
$8.10
+3.18%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $5.35B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
+2.74%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 892% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $6.55B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs -8.1%. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
AVTR
Hold42
out of 100
Grade: D
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+62.5%
Fair Value
$25.68
Current Price
$8.10
$17.58 discount
Margin of Safety
-13.2%
Fair Value
$96.48
Current Price
$109.18
$12.70 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.8%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -9.2% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 1.4%
Earnings declined 89.4%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AVTR
The strongest argument for AVTR centers on Price/Book.
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 : AVTR
The primary concerns for AVTR are Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AVTR profiles as a turnaround stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AVTR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.00 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.0% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 42/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. AVTR offers better value entry with a 62.5% margin of safety. 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.
Avantor Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Avantor, Inc. provides products and services to clients in the biopharmaceutical, healthcare, education and government, advanced technologies and applied materials industries in America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The company is headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania.
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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