WallStSmart

Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsPepsiCo Inc (PEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PepsiCo Inc generates 45% more annual revenue ($95.45B vs $65.77B). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs 9.2%. PEP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.68. PEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

MRK

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

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

PEP

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.26
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
PEPFair Value (-1.0%)

Margin of Safety

-1.0%

Fair Value

$154.81

Current Price

$154.62

$0.19 premium

UndervaluedFair: $154.81Overvalued

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

PEP3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$213.64B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
43.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 44 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
27.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 27.8% YoY

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

PEP4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.684/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
9.9x4/10

Trading at 9.9x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-406.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MRK

The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.

Bull Case : PEP

The strongest argument for PEP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : MRK

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

Bear Case : PEP

The primary concerns for PEP are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PEP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.39 — expect wider price swings.

PEP is growing revenue faster at 8.5% — 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

PEP scores higher overall (63/100 vs 50/100). Both earn "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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PepsiCo Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA

PepsiCo, Inc. is an American based multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation headquartered in Harrison, New York, in the hamlet of Purchase. PepsiCo's business encompasses all aspects of the food and beverage market. It oversees the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of its products.

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