Cross Country Healthcare Inc (CCRN)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
CCRN
Cross Country Healthcare Inc
$13.25
0.00%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $428.06M
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$144.70
-2.49%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $368.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 6625% more annual revenue ($67.38B vs $1.00B). MRK leads profitability with a 3.6% profit margin vs -9.8%. MRK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.82. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 44/100 (D).
CCRN
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
MRK
Hold44
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+37.2%
Fair Value
$13.16
Current Price
$13.25
$0.09 discount
Margin of Safety
-76.6%
Fair Value
$84.66
Current Price
$144.70
$60.04 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 41.2%
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -31.5% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 17.8%
Trading at 8.5x book value
4.7% revenue growth
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
3.6% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CCRN
The strongest argument for CCRN centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : CCRN
The primary concerns for CCRN are Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity. A P/E of 151.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CCRN profiles as a turnaround stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CCRN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.45 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 4.7% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (44/100 vs 36/100). CCRN offers better value entry with a 37.2% 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.
Cross Country Healthcare Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA
Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. provides talent management and other consulting services for healthcare clients in the United States. The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida.
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 CARE FACILITIES Stocks
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