ICON PLC (ICLR)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
ICLR
ICON PLC
$118.33
+1.86%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $9.03B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
+2.74%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 702% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $8.10B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 7.4%. MRK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.36. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
ICLR
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+68.2%
Fair Value
$418.77
Current Price
$118.33
$300.44 discount
Margin of Safety
-13.2%
Fair Value
$96.48
Current Price
$109.18
$12.70 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
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
0.6% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 6.3% — below average capital efficiency
7.4% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ICLR
The strongest argument for ICLR centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.
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 : ICLR
The primary concerns for ICLR are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ICLR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — 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.
Monitor DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. ICLR offers better value entry with a 68.2% margin of safety. 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.
ICON PLC
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
ICON Public Limited Company, a clinical research organization, provides outsourced marketing and development services in Ireland, the rest of Europe, the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
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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