Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsNational Research Corp (NRC)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$110.95
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
NRC
National Research Corp
$16.46
-0.48%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $389.19M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 47219% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $137.39M). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 8.4%. NRC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
NRC
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
$110.95
$14.47 premium
Margin of Safety
+56.3%
Fair Value
$31.44
Current Price
$16.46
$14.98 discount
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
Every $100 of equity generates 51 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.2%
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Trading at 26.5x book value
Revenue declined 4.6%
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 : NRC
The strongest argument for NRC centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin. PEG of 1.32 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 : NRC
The primary concerns for NRC are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NRC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.41 — 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.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. NRC offers better value entry with a 56.3% margin of safety. 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 Research Corp
HEALTHCARE · HEALTH INFORMATION SERVICES · USA
National Research Corporation provides analytics and information that make it easy to measure and improve the patient and employee experience in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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