Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK-B)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
BRK-B
Berkshire Hathaway Inc
$479.33
-0.14%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $1.04T
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
+2.58%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Berkshire Hathaway Inc generates 471% more annual revenue ($371.44B vs $65.01B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 18.0%. MRK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.49. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
BRK-B
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-134.4%
Fair Value
$210.94
Current Price
$479.33
$268.39 premium
Margin of Safety
-141.2%
Fair Value
$49.50
Current Price
$119.37
$69.87 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 33.0%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 5.0B in free cash flow
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.7%
Earnings declined 2.5%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : BRK-B
The strongest argument for BRK-B centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.0% and operating margin at 33.0%.
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 : BRK-B
The primary concerns for BRK-B are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
BRK-B profiles as a declining stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
BRK-B carries more volatility with a beta of 0.69 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.0% — sustainability is the question.
BRK-B generates stronger free cash flow (5.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 54/100), 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.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is an American multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. The company wholly owns GEICO, Duracell, Dairy Queen, BNSF, Lubrizol, Fruit of the Loom, Helzberg Diamonds, Long & Foster, FlightSafety International, Pampered Chef, Forest River, and NetJets, and also owns 38.6% of Pilot Flying J; and significant minority holdings in public companies Kraft Heinz Company (26.7%), American Express (18.8%), The Coca-Cola Company (9.32%), Bank of America (11.9%), and Apple (6.3%).
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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