WallStSmart

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings (DNA)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 38107% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $170.16M). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs -183.8%. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

DNA

Avoid

29

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.7Profit: 2.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0

MRK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.5Value: 4.0Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DNAUndervalued (+33.4%)

Margin of Safety

+33.4%

Fair Value

$14.03

Current Price

$9.70

$4.33 discount

UndervaluedFair: $14.03Overvalued
MRKSignificantly Overvalued (-16.2%)

Margin of Safety

-16.2%

Fair Value

$96.56

Current Price

$109.18

$12.62 premium

UndervaluedFair: $96.56Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DNA1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

DNA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$551.05M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
-51.1%2/10

ROE of -51.1% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-23.8%2/10

Revenue declined 23.8%

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 : DNA

The strongest argument for DNA centers on Price/Book.

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 : DNA

The primary concerns for DNA are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : MRK

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DNA profiles as a turnaround stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

DNA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.57 — 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.

Bottom Line

MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 29/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. DNA offers better value entry with a 33.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings (DNA) is a frontrunner in the synthetic biology industry, leveraging cutting-edge genetic engineering techniques to develop tailored bioengineered organisms for diverse applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology. The company’s innovative platform enhances cellular design for manufacturing, optimizing product development and streamlining production processes. With a strong focus on solving critical global challenges, including climate change and food security, Ginkgo is well-positioned to influence multiple sectors while fostering sustainable advancements in biotechnology. As the industry evolves, Ginkgo's commitment to bio-based solutions positions it for significant growth and impact.

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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