WallStSmart

Brookdale Senior Living Inc (BKD)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 2054% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $3.05B). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs -8.6%. BKD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.28. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).

BKD

Hold

38

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 3.3Profit: 3.0Value: 8.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: -0.40

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

BKDUndervalued (+65.2%)

Margin of Safety

+65.2%

Fair Value

$48.18

Current Price

$12.98

$35.20 discount

UndervaluedFair: $48.18Overvalued
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

BKD2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2810/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Debt/EquityHealth
-816.7310/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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

BKD4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Operating MarginProfitability
3.8%3/10

Operating margin of 3.8%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-308.2%2/10

ROE of -308.2% — below average capital efficiency

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 : BKD

The strongest argument for BKD centers on PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity. PEG of 0.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MRK

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

Bear Case : BKD

The primary concerns for BKD are EPS Growth, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : MRK

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BKD profiles as a turnaround stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

BKD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.69 — expect wider price swings.

MRK is growing revenue faster at 4.9% — 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 38/100). BKD offers better value entry with a 65.2% margin of safety. 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.

Brookdale Senior Living Inc

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. owns and operates senior communities in the United States. The company is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee.

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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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