WallStSmart

JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

JPMorgan Chase & Co generates 164% more annual revenue ($173.56B vs $65.77B). JPM leads profitability with a 33.9% profit margin vs 13.6%. JPM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.67. JPM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

JPM

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.55

MRK

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 8.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 2/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for JPM.

MRKOvervalued (-14.9%)

Margin of Safety

-14.9%

Fair Value

$97.76

Current Price

$111.38

$13.62 premium

UndervaluedFair: $97.76Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

JPM5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$820.65B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
33.9%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
43.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 43.7%

P/E RatioValuation
14.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

MRK3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$277.36B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.93B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

JPM4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.674/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.383/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-211.76B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.552/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MRK4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
5.282/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : JPM

The strongest argument for JPM centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.9% and operating margin at 43.7%. Revenue growth of 12.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MRK

The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : JPM

The primary concerns for JPM are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : MRK

The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

JPM profiles as a mature stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

JPM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.

JPM is growing revenue faster at 12.7% — sustainability is the question.

MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

JPM scores higher overall (73/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 33.9% margins and 12.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.

JPMorgan Chase & Co

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is an American multinational investment bank and financial services holding company headquartered in New York City. JPMorgan Chase is incorporated in Delaware. As a Bulge Bracket bank, it is a major provider of various investment banking and financial services. It is one of America's Big Four banks, along with Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo. JPMorgan Chase is considered to be a universal bank and a custodian bank. The J.P. Morgan brand is used by the investment banking, asset management, private banking, private wealth management, and treasury services divisions.

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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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