Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsQiagen NV (QGEN)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
QGEN
Qiagen NV
$33.61
-1.21%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $6.93B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 3011% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $2.09B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 20.3%. QGEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.86. QGEN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
QGEN
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-13.2%
Fair Value
$96.48
Current Price
$109.18
$12.70 premium
Margin of Safety
-8.5%
Fair Value
$47.07
Current Price
$33.61
$13.46 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.8%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 27.4%
Earnings expanding 21.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
3.7% revenue growth
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : QGEN
The strongest argument for QGEN centers on Profit Margin, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 27.4%. PEG of 0.86 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : QGEN
The primary concerns for QGEN are Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
QGEN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.79 — 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
QGEN scores higher overall (73/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. Both earn "Strong 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.
Visit Website →Qiagen NV
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
QIAGEN NV provides sample-to-knowledge solutions that transform biological materials into molecular knowledge globally. The company is headquartered in Venlo, the Netherlands.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?