ICU Medical Inc (ICUI)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
ICUI
ICU Medical Inc
$168.38
+1.11%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $3.93B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$129.79
-0.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $307.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 2949% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $2.16B). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs 2.1%. ICUI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.09. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).
ICUI
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+54.1%
Fair Value
$321.61
Current Price
$168.38
$153.23 discount
Margin of Safety
-62.3%
Fair Value
$81.23
Current Price
$129.79
$48.56 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 2.2% — below average capital efficiency
2.1% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ICUI
The strongest argument for ICUI centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.09 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : ICUI
The primary concerns for ICUI are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 84.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ICUI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.76 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 4.9% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (50/100 vs 48/100). ICUI offers better value entry with a 54.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Hold" 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.
ICU Medical Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
ICU Medical, Inc. develops, manufactures and sells medical devices used in infusion therapy and critical care applications worldwide. The company is headquartered in San Clemente, California.
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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