ICU Medical Inc (ICUI)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
ICUI
ICU Medical Inc
$156.48
-0.50%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $4.03B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$143.93
-0.54%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $355.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 2982% more annual revenue ($66.57B vs $2.16B). MRK leads profitability with a 4.8% profit margin vs 1.4%. ICUI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.08. ICUI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).
ICUI
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+53.7%
Fair Value
$319.32
Current Price
$156.48
$162.84 discount
Margin of Safety
-73.7%
Fair Value
$82.84
Current Price
$143.93
$61.09 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
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
0.5% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 2.2% — below average capital efficiency
1.4% margin — thin
Trading at 8.5x book value
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
4.8% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ICUI
The strongest argument for ICUI centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.08 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : ICUI
The primary concerns for ICUI are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. A P/E of 135.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 116.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ICUI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.76 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.1% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ICUI scores higher overall (50/100 vs 36/100). 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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