WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PepsiCo Inc generates 44% more annual revenue ($93.92B vs $65.01B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 8.8%. PEP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.01. PEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

MRK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

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

PEP

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.26
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
PEPUndervalued (+45.9%)

Margin of Safety

+45.9%

Fair Value

$280.33

Current Price

$151.73

$128.60 discount

UndervaluedFair: $280.33Overvalued

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

PEP4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$205.91B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
42.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
67.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 67.5% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.70B8/10

Generating 4.7B in free cash flow

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%

PEP4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
10.2x4/10

Trading at 10.2x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.012/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : PEP

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

Bear Case : MRK

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

Bear Case : PEP

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PEP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.38 — expect wider price swings.

PEP is growing revenue faster at 5.6% — sustainability is the question.

PEP generates stronger free cash flow (4.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. PEP offers better value entry with a 45.9% margin of safety. 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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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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