WallStSmart

Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsOtter Tail Corporation (OTTR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 4885% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $1.30B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 21.2%. OTTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.72. OTTR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

MRK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9

OTTR

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 7.5Value: 7.3Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.67
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MRKSignificantly Overvalued (-141.2%)

Margin of Safety

-141.2%

Fair Value

$49.50

Current Price

$119.37

$69.87 premium

UndervaluedFair: $49.50Overvalued
OTTRSignificantly Overvalued (-92.9%)

Margin of Safety

-92.9%

Fair Value

$44.54

Current Price

$86.55

$42.01 premium

UndervaluedFair: $44.54Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MRK6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$287.71B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
36.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
32.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.8%

Profit MarginProfitability
28.1%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.82B8/10

Generating 1.8B in free cash flow

OTTR4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
21.2%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.2%

Areas to Watch

MRK3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.492/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.3%2/10

Earnings declined 19.3%

OTTR4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.724/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.6%4/10

1.6% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.674/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : OTTR

The strongest argument for OTTR centers on Profit Margin, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.2% and operating margin at 22.2%.

Bear Case : MRK

The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : OTTR

The primary concerns for OTTR are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

OTTR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.52 — 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

OTTR scores higher overall (63/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 21.2% 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.

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Otter Tail Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

Otter Tail Corporation is engaged in electrical service, manufacturing and plastic piping businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

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