Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsNational Research Corp (NRC)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$143.93
-0.54%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $355.10B
NRC
National Research Corp
$21.12
-0.66%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $476.23M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 47450% more annual revenue ($66.57B vs $140.00M). MRK leads profitability with a 4.8% profit margin vs 4.2%. NRC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. NRC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 42/100 (D).
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
NRC
Hold42
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-73.7%
Fair Value
$82.84
Current Price
$143.93
$61.09 premium
Margin of Safety
+51.3%
Fair Value
$28.23
Current Price
$21.12
$7.11 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 89 in profit
Areas to Watch
Trading at 8.5x book value
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
4.8% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
4.0% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
4.2% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bull Case : NRC
The strongest argument for NRC centers on Return on Equity. PEG of 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 116.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : NRC
The primary concerns for NRC are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin. A P/E of 89.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 13.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NRC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.38 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.1% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NRC scores higher overall (42/100 vs 36/100). Both earn "Hold" 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 →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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