Elevance Health Inc (ELV)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
ELV
Elevance Health Inc
$286.39
-0.56%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $63.21B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.63
-1.28%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $295.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Elevance Health Inc generates 206% more annual revenue ($199.13B vs $65.01B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 2.8%. ELV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.10. ELV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
ELV
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+75.7%
Fair Value
$1179.36
Current Price
$286.39
$892.97 discount
Margin of Safety
-141.3%
Fair Value
$49.57
Current Price
$119.63
$70.06 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 36.3% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.8%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
2.8% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.5%
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ELV
The strongest argument for ELV centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Market Cap. PEG of 1.10 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 : ELV
The primary concerns for ELV are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Thin 2.8% 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
ELV carries more volatility with a beta of 0.47 — expect wider price swings.
ELV is growing revenue faster at 9.5% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor HEALTHCARE PLANS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ELV scores higher overall (67/100 vs 59/100). Both earn "Strong 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.
Elevance Health Inc
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
Elevance Health Inc. is a health benefits company. The company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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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