McKesson Corporation (MCK)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
MCK
McKesson Corporation
$879.75
-0.25%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $108.85B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
+2.58%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McKesson Corporation generates 512% more annual revenue ($397.96B vs $65.01B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 1.1%. MCK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.07. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
MCK
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+41.2%
Fair Value
$1622.09
Current Price
$879.75
$742.34 discount
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
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 38.0% YoY
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
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
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
1.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.6%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MCK
The strongest argument for MCK centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.07 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 : MCK
The primary concerns for MCK are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 1.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.35 — expect wider price swings.
MCK is growing revenue faster at 11.4% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. MCK offers better value entry with a 41.2% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
McKesson Corporation
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
McKesson Corporation is an American company distributing pharmaceuticals and providing health information technology, medical supplies, and care management tools.
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 MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION Stocks
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