LyondellBasell Industries NV (LYB)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
LYB
LyondellBasell Industries NV
$77.19
+1.55%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $24.49B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
+2.58%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 116% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $30.15B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs -2.5%. LYB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
LYB
Hold42
out of 100
Grade: D
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LYB.
Margin of Safety
-141.2%
Fair Value
$49.50
Current Price
$119.37
$69.87 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
ROE of -7.0% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 9.2%
Earnings declined 87.7%
Currently unprofitable
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LYB
The strongest argument for LYB centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.47 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 : LYB
The primary concerns for LYB are Return on Equity, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LYB profiles as a turnaround stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
LYB carries more volatility with a beta of 0.67 — 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.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 42/100), backed by strong 28.1% 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.
LyondellBasell Industries NV
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE: LYB) is a Dutch-domiciled multinational chemical company with American and British roots, incorporated in the Netherlands, with U.S. operations headquarters in Houston, Texas, and offices in London, UK. The company is the largest licensor of polyethylene and polypropylene technologies. It also produces ethylene, propylene, polyolefins, and oxyfuels.
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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