Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsStarbucks Corporation (SBUX)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
+2.58%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
SBUX
Starbucks Corporation
$92.70
+0.78%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $104.79B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 72% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $37.70B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 3.6%. SBUX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.53. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
SBUX
Hold39
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-141.2%
Fair Value
$49.50
Current Price
$119.37
$69.87 premium
Margin of Safety
-1135.9%
Fair Value
$8.02
Current Price
$92.70
$84.68 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
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
3.6% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
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 : SBUX
The strongest argument for SBUX centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : SBUX
The primary concerns for SBUX are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 78.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SBUX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.
SBUX is growing revenue faster at 5.5% — 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
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 39/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. 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.
Visit Website →Starbucks Corporation
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Starbucks Corporation is an American multinational chain of coffeehouses and roastery reserves headquartered in Seattle, Washington. As the world's largest coffeehouse chain, Starbucks is seen to be the main representation of the United States' second wave of coffee culture.
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