WallStSmart

Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsRio Tinto ADR (RIO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 14% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $57.64B). RIO leads profitability with a 17.3% profit margin vs 13.6%. MRK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 5.28. RIO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).

MRK

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

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

RIO

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0
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
RIOUndervalued (+33.7%)

Margin of Safety

+33.7%

Fair Value

$147.89

Current Price

$105.38

$42.51 discount

UndervaluedFair: $147.89Overvalued

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

RIO5 strengths · Avg: 8.2/10
Market CapQuality
$171.59B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.53B8/10

Generating 2.5B in free cash flow

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

RIO2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
5.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-5.6%2/10

Earnings declined 5.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MRK

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

Bull Case : RIO

The strongest argument for RIO centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.3% and operating margin at 25.3%. Revenue growth of 14.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : MRK

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

Bear Case : RIO

The primary concerns for RIO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MRK profiles as a value stock while RIO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

RIO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.63 — expect wider price swings.

RIO is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.

MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

RIO scores higher overall (54/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 17.3% margins and 14.6% revenue growth. 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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Rio Tinto ADR

BASIC MATERIALS · OTHER INDUSTRIAL METALS & MINING · USA

Rio Tinto Group is dedicated to the exploration, extraction and processing of mineral resources worldwide. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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