WallStSmart

Chemed Corp (CHE)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 2459% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $2.54B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 10.2%. CHE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.76. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

CHE

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 5.81

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

CHESignificantly Overvalued (-36.8%)

Margin of Safety

-36.8%

Fair Value

$338.44

Current Price

$424.98

$86.54 premium

UndervaluedFair: $338.44Overvalued
MRKOvervalued (-13.2%)

Margin of Safety

-13.2%

Fair Value

$96.48

Current Price

$109.18

$12.70 premium

UndervaluedFair: $96.48Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CHE3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
5.8110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
25.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.139/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

MRK6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$274.03B10/10

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
15.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.82B8/10

Generating 1.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CHE4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.764/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.6%4/10

1.6% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-0.4%2/10

Earnings declined 0.4%

MRK3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.362/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.3%2/10

Earnings declined 19.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CHE

The strongest argument for CHE centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Debt/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 : CHE

The primary concerns for CHE are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : MRK

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CHE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.48 — 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.

Monitor MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 51/100), 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.

Chemed Corp

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA

Chemed Corporation provides hospice and hospice services to patients through a network of physicians, registered nurses, home health aides, social workers, clergy, and volunteers across the United States. The company is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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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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