WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 3244% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $1.94B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs -145.2%. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

MRK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9

MRNA

Avoid

24

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 2.0Value: 6.7Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.00
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MRKOvervalued (-13.2%)

Margin of Safety

-13.2%

Fair Value

$96.48

Current Price

$109.18

$12.70 premium

UndervaluedFair: $96.48Overvalued
MRNAUndervalued (+69.5%)

Margin of Safety

+69.5%

Fair Value

$133.04

Current Price

$45.72

$87.32 discount

UndervaluedFair: $133.04Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MRK6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$274.03B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
36.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
32.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.8%

Profit MarginProfitability
28.1%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.82B8/10

Generating 1.8B in free cash flow

MRNA2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.0010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

MRK3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.362/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.3%2/10

Earnings declined 19.3%

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

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-28.9%2/10

ROE of -28.9% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-29.8%2/10

Revenue declined 29.8%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-85.1%2/10

Earnings declined 85.1%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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%.

Bull Case : MRNA

The strongest argument for MRNA centers on Altman Z-Score, Price/Book.

Bear Case : MRK

The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : MRNA

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

MRNA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — 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 24/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. MRNA offers better value entry with a 69.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" 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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