Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsNovo Nordisk A/S (NVO)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$114.18
-0.02%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $282.30B
NVO
Novo Nordisk A/S
$36.53
-1.48%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $162.84B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Novo Nordisk A/S generates 375% more annual revenue ($309.06B vs $65.01B). NVO leads profitability with a 33.1% profit margin vs 28.1%. MRK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.49. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
NVO
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-130.9%
Fair Value
$49.44
Current Price
$114.18
$64.74 premium
Margin of Safety
-60.8%
Fair Value
$24.00
Current Price
$36.53
$12.53 premium
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 61 in profit
Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 44.5%
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 7.6%
Earnings declined 4.7%
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 : NVO
The strongest argument for NVO centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.1% and operating margin at 44.5%.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : NVO
The primary concerns for NVO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MRK profiles as a value stock while NVO is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
NVO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.27 — 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 55/100), 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 →Novo Nordisk A/S
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Novo Nordisk A / S, a healthcare company, is dedicated to the research, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceutical products globally. The company is headquartered in Bagsvaerd, Denmark.
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