WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 4906% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $1.31B). OTTR leads profitability with a 21.3% profit margin vs 13.6%. OTTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.81. OTTR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

MRK

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 8.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 2/9

OTTR

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.67
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MRKOvervalued (-14.9%)

Margin of Safety

-14.9%

Fair Value

$97.76

Current Price

$111.38

$13.62 premium

UndervaluedFair: $97.76Overvalued
OTTRSignificantly Overvalued (-60.8%)

Margin of Safety

-60.8%

Fair Value

$53.45

Current Price

$88.03

$34.58 premium

UndervaluedFair: $53.45Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MRK3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$277.36B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.93B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

OTTR4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
21.3%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
24.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.7%

Areas to Watch

MRK4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
5.282/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

OTTR4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.814/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.9%4/10

2.9% 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, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.

Bull Case : OTTR

The strongest argument for OTTR centers on Profit Margin, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.3% and operating margin at 24.7%.

Bear Case : MRK

The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

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 0.47 — 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

OTTR scores higher overall (67/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 21.3% margins. Both earn "Strong 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.

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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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