WallStSmart

BJs Wholesale Club Holdings Inc (BJ)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 203% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $21.46B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 2.7%. BJ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.45. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

BJ

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.87

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

BJSignificantly Overvalued (-83.2%)

Margin of Safety

-83.2%

Fair Value

$54.31

Current Price

$97.81

$43.50 premium

UndervaluedFair: $54.31Overvalued
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

BJ2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.8710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
28.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in 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

BJ4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.454/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.5%4/10

3.5% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
2.7%3/10

2.7% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.2%3/10

Operating margin of 3.2%

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 : BJ

The strongest argument for BJ centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.

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 : BJ

The primary concerns for BJ are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : MRK

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BJ carries more volatility with a beta of 0.33 — expect wider price swings.

BJ is growing revenue faster at 5.6% — sustainability is the question.

MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 52/100), 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.

BJs Wholesale Club Holdings Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA

BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc., operates warehouse clubs on the East Coast of the United States. The company is headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts.

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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