WallStSmart

Dollar Tree Inc (DLTR)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 235% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $19.41B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 6.6%. DLTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.12. DLTR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

DLTR

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 8.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.82

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

DLTRUndervalued (+11.4%)

Margin of Safety

+11.4%

Fair Value

$141.13

Current Price

$106.64

$34.49 discount

UndervaluedFair: $141.13Overvalued
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

DLTR2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

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

DLTR3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.824/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Profit MarginProfitability
6.6%3/10

6.6% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.513/10

Elevated debt levels

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 : DLTR

The strongest argument for DLTR centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.12 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 : DLTR

The primary concerns for DLTR are Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.51 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : MRK

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DLTR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.69 — expect wider price swings.

DLTR is growing revenue faster at 9.0% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

DLTR scores higher overall (63/100 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.

Dollar Tree Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA

Dollar Tree is an American chain of discount variety stores that sells items for $1 or less, headquartered in Chesapeake, Virginia.

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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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