ICU Medical Inc (ICUI)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
ICUI
ICU Medical Inc
$115.45
-4.59%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $2.89B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 2814% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $2.23B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 0.0%. ICUI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.07. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
ICUI
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+63.1%
Fair Value
$400.23
Current Price
$115.45
$284.78 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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
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
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
0.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.8%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ICUI
The strongest argument for ICUI centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.07 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 : ICUI
The primary concerns for ICUI are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 3848.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.0% 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
ICUI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.85 — 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 MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. ICUI offers better value entry with a 63.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" 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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