Illumina Inc (ILMN)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
ILMN
Illumina Inc
$194.82
+0.95%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $28.24B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$129.79
-0.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $307.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 1397% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $4.39B). ILMN leads profitability with a 19.4% profit margin vs 13.6%. ILMN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.26. ILMN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).
ILMN
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+57.7%
Fair Value
$274.93
Current Price
$194.82
$80.11 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
Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.1x book value
4.8% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ILMN
The strongest argument for ILMN centers on Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.4% and operating margin at 18.3%.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : ILMN
The primary concerns for ILMN are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ILMN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.47 — 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 DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ILMN scores higher overall (54/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 19.4% margins. 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.
Illumina Inc
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Illumina, Inc. is an American company. Incorporated on April 1, 1998, Illumina develops, manufactures, and markets integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and biological function. The company provides a line of products and services that serves the sequencing, genotyping and gene expression, and proteomics markets. Its headquarters are located in San Diego, California.
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.
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