Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsPfizer Inc (PFE)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$146.35
+3.83%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $360.08B
PFE
Pfizer Inc
$29.45
+1.70%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $168.60B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 5% more annual revenue ($66.57B vs $63.70B). PFE leads profitability with a 6.8% profit margin vs 4.8%. MRK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.71. PFE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 49/100 (D+).
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
PFE
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-73.7%
Fair Value
$83.64
Current Price
$146.35
$62.71 premium
Margin of Safety
-0.1%
Fair Value
$29.99
Current Price
$29.45
$0.54 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 27.9%
Areas to Watch
Trading at 8.6x book value
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
4.8% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
2.6% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 5.1% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bull Case : PFE
The strongest argument for PFE centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 115.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : PFE
The primary concerns for PFE are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PFE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.28 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.1% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
PFE scores higher overall (49/100 vs 36/100). Both earn "Hold" 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.
Visit Website →Pfizer Inc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Pfizer Inc. is an American multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation headquartered on 42nd Street in Manhattan, New York City. The name of the company commemorates its co-founder, Charles Pfizer (1824-1906). Pfizer develops and produces medicines and vaccines for immunology, oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, and neurology. The company has several blockbuster drugs or products that each generate more than 1 billion USD in annual revenues.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
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