Edwards Lifesciences Corp (EW)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
EW
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
$82.67
+1.20%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $48.01B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
+2.58%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 971% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $6.07B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 17.7%. EW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.14. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
EW
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-544.4%
Fair Value
$12.31
Current Price
$82.67
$70.36 premium
Margin of Safety
-141.2%
Fair Value
$49.50
Current Price
$119.37
$69.87 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 23.7%
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 76.6%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : EW
The strongest argument for EW centers on Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.7% and operating margin at 23.7%. Revenue growth of 13.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : EW
The primary concerns for EW are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
EW profiles as a mature stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
EW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.
EW is growing revenue faster at 13.3% — 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 55/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. 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.
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA
Edwards Lifesciences is an American medical technology company headquartered in Irvine, California, specializing in artificial heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring.
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 MEDICAL DEVICES Stocks
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