Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsNational Grid PLC ADR (NGG)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
NGG
National Grid PLC ADR
$89.54
+4.14%
UTILITIES · Cap: $85.52B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 272% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $17.48B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 16.4%. NGG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
NGG
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-13.2%
Fair Value
$96.48
Current Price
$109.18
$12.70 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NGG.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 24.1%
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Trading at 9.0x book value
ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Revenue declined 11.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : NGG
The strongest argument for NGG centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.4% and operating margin at 24.1%. PEG of 1.09 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : NGG
The primary concerns for NGG are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MRK profiles as a value stock while NGG is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
NGG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.64 — 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 50/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. 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.
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 →National Grid PLC ADR
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
National Grid plc transmits and distributes electricity and natural gas. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
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