Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$124.22
+0.91%
UTILITIES · Cap: $94.40B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$120.79
-1.42%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $285.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 101% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $32.72B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 13.6%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.54. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
DUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for DUK.
Margin of Safety
-49.3%
Fair Value
$80.88
Current Price
$120.79
$39.91 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DUK
The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.7% and operating margin at 25.5%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : DUK
The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK profiles as a mature stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.40 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.
Duke Energy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Duke Energy Corporation is an American electric power and natural gas holding company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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 UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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