WallStSmart

Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsModerna Inc (MRNA)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 2856% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $2.23B). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs -143.5%. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).

MRK

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 8.0Value: 2.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.30

MRNA

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.7Profit: 2.0Value: 6.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.09
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MRKSignificantly Overvalued (-49.3%)

Margin of Safety

-49.3%

Fair Value

$80.88

Current Price

$120.79

$39.91 premium

UndervaluedFair: $80.88Overvalued
MRNAUndervalued (+71.2%)

Margin of Safety

+71.2%

Fair Value

$140.45

Current Price

$47.44

$93.01 discount

UndervaluedFair: $140.45Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MRK3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$285.64B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.93B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

MRNA3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
260.2%10/10

Revenue surging 260.2% year-over-year

Debt/EquityHealth
0.189/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

MRK4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.073/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

MRNA4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-43.1%2/10

ROE of -43.1% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-85.1%2/10

Earnings declined 85.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-692.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MRK

The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.

Bull Case : MRNA

The strongest argument for MRNA centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 260.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : MRK

The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : MRNA

The primary concerns for MRNA are Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MRK profiles as a value stock while MRNA is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

MRNA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.03 — expect wider price swings.

MRNA is growing revenue faster at 260.2% — sustainability is the question.

MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MRK scores higher overall (50/100 vs 34/100). MRNA offers better value entry with a 71.2% margin of safety. Both earn "Hold" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

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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Moderna Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Moderna, Inc., a biotechnology company, develops messenger RNA-based vaccines and therapies for the treatment of infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune diseases. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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