Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsShell PLC ADR (SHEL)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
+2.58%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
SHEL
Shell PLC ADR
$91.12
+0.45%
ENERGY · Cap: $254.34B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Shell PLC ADR generates 311% more annual revenue ($266.89B vs $65.01B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 6.7%. SHEL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.25. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
SHEL
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
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
+71.2%
Fair Value
$280.80
Current Price
$91.12
$189.68 discount
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B 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
3.8% earnings growth
6.7% margin — thin
Revenue declined 3.3%
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 : SHEL
The strongest argument for SHEL centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : SHEL
The primary concerns for SHEL are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MRK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.26 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.0% — sustainability is the question.
SHEL generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. SHEL offers better value entry with a 71.2% 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.
Visit Website →Shell PLC ADR
ENERGY · OIL & GAS INTEGRATED · USA
Shell plc is a global petrochemical and energy company. The company is headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?