Chemed Corp (CHE)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
CHE
Chemed Corp
$515.97
+0.31%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $6.78B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$143.93
-0.54%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $355.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 2465% more annual revenue ($66.57B vs $2.60B). CHE leads profitability with a 10.6% profit margin vs 4.8%. CHE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.90. CHE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
CHE
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CHE.
Margin of Safety
-73.7%
Fair Value
$82.84
Current Price
$143.93
$61.09 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Earnings expanding 43.7% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 8.1x book value
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 8.5x book value
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
4.8% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CHE
The strongest argument for CHE centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, EPS Growth.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : CHE
The primary concerns for CHE are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 116.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CHE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.51 — expect wider price swings.
CHE is growing revenue faster at 8.8% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CHE scores higher overall (63/100 vs 36/100). Both earn "Buy" 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.
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.
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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