Moodys Corporation (MCO)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
MCO
Moodys Corporation
$451.32
-1.26%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $79.84B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$111.38
-0.82%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $277.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 735% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $7.87B). MCO leads profitability with a 31.7% profit margin vs 13.6%. MCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.04. MCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
MCO
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MCO.
Margin of Safety
-13.8%
Fair Value
$97.84
Current Price
$111.38
$13.54 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 71 in profit
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 45.7%
Large-cap with strong market position
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 26.3x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MCO
The strongest argument for MCO centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.7% and operating margin at 45.7%.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : MCO
The primary concerns for MCO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCO profiles as a mature stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MCO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.37 — expect wider price swings.
MCO is growing revenue faster at 8.1% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MCO scores higher overall (61/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 31.7% 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.
Moodys Corporation
FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA
Moody's Corporation, often referred to as Moody's, is an American business and financial services company. It is the holding company for Moody's Investors Service (MIS), an American credit rating agency, and Moody's Analytics (MA), an American provider of financial analysis software and services.
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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