Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
LLY
Eli Lilly and Company
$1,152.93
+0.04%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $994.92B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$146.87
-0.19%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $355.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Eli Lilly and Company generates 20% more annual revenue ($79.67B vs $66.57B). LLY leads profitability with a 33.5% profit margin vs 4.8%. LLY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.11. LLY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).
LLY
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LLY.
Margin of Safety
-77.2%
Fair Value
$83.04
Current Price
$146.87
$63.83 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 79 in profit
Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 54.2%
Revenue surging 47.7% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 26.2% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Trading at 30.3x book value
Trading at 8.6x book value
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
4.8% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LLY
The strongest argument for LLY centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.5% and operating margin at 54.2%. Revenue growth of 47.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : LLY
The primary concerns for LLY are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 1.62 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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
LLY profiles as a growth stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
LLY carries more volatility with a beta of 0.50 — expect wider price swings.
LLY is growing revenue faster at 47.7% — sustainability is the question.
LLY generates stronger free cash flow (7.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LLY scores higher overall (76/100 vs 36/100), backed by strong 33.5% margins and 47.7% 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.
Eli Lilly and Company
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Eli Lilly and Company is an American pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, with offices in 18 countries. Its products are sold in approximately 125 countries.
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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
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