Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$111.38
-0.82%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $277.36B
NOC
Northrop Grumman Corporation
$549.52
-0.50%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $78.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 55% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $42.37B). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs 10.8%. NOC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 4.16. NOC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
NOC
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-14.9%
Fair Value
$97.76
Current Price
$111.38
$13.62 premium
Margin of Safety
-60.9%
Fair Value
$421.87
Current Price
$549.52
$127.65 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Earnings expanding 84.9% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.4% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bull Case : NOC
The strongest argument for NOC centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : NOC
The primary concerns for NOC are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MRK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.20 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 4.9% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NOC scores higher overall (63/100 vs 50/100). 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.
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 →Northrop Grumman Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
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