WallStSmart

Cencora Inc. (COR)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cencora Inc. generates 401% more annual revenue ($325.78B vs $65.01B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 0.5%. COR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.78. COR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

COR

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0

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

CORSignificantly Overvalued (-43.9%)

Margin of Safety

-43.9%

Fair Value

$254.20

Current Price

$325.08

$70.88 premium

UndervaluedFair: $254.20Overvalued
MRKSignificantly Overvalued (-141.2%)

Margin of Safety

-141.2%

Fair Value

$49.50

Current Price

$119.37

$69.87 premium

UndervaluedFair: $49.50Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

COR3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
133.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 134 in profit

Market CapQuality
$63.59B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.788/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

MRK6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$287.71B10/10

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
16.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.82B8/10

Generating 1.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

COR4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
39.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Profit MarginProfitability
0.5%3/10

0.5% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.2%3/10

Operating margin of 1.2%

Price/BookValuation
33.1x2/10

Trading at 33.1x book value

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

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.492/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.3%2/10

Earnings declined 19.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : COR

The strongest argument for COR centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.78 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : COR

The primary concerns for COR are P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 0.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : MRK

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

COR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.65 — expect wider price swings.

COR is growing revenue faster at 5.5% — sustainability is the question.

MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

COR scores higher overall (62/100 vs 59/100). 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.

Cencora Inc.

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

CoreSite Realty Corporation (NYSE: COR) delivers secure, reliable, high-performance data center, cloud access and interconnect solutions to a growing client ecosystem in eight key North American markets.

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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