Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
LLY
Eli Lilly and Company
$1,409.27
-0.11%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $1.26T
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$144.70
-2.49%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $368.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Eli Lilly and Company generates 28% more annual revenue ($86.46B vs $67.38B). LLY leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 3.6%. LLY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.36. LLY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
LLY
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
MRK
Hold44
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LLY.
Margin of Safety
-76.6%
Fair Value
$84.66
Current Price
$144.70
$60.04 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 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 53.7%
Revenue surging 38.6% year-over-year
Generating 7.8B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 41.2%
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 31.2x book value
Trading at 8.5x book value
4.7% revenue growth
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
3.6% margin — thin
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 31.9% and operating margin at 53.7%. Revenue growth of 38.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : LLY
The primary concerns for LLY are Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 46.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.62 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity. A P/E of 151.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.6% 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 0.45 — expect wider price swings.
LLY is growing revenue faster at 38.6% — sustainability is the question.
LLY generates stronger free cash flow (7.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LLY scores higher overall (74/100 vs 44/100), backed by strong 31.9% margins and 38.6% 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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