Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsSherwin-Williams Co (SHW)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
+2.58%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
SHW
Sherwin-Williams Co
$321.95
+2.63%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $77.79B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 176% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $23.57B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 10.9%. SHW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.63. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
SHW
Buy54
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
-237.9%
Fair Value
$92.84
Current Price
$321.95
$229.11 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
Every $100 of equity generates 59 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 17.2x book value
1.4% earnings growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : SHW
The strongest argument for SHW centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : SHW
The primary concerns for SHW are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SHW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.
SHW is growing revenue faster at 5.6% — 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 54/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. 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 →Sherwin-Williams Co
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Sherwin Williams Company is a Cleveland, Ohio based company in the paint and coating manufacturing industry. The company primarily engages in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coatings, floorcoverings, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers primarily in North and South America and Europe.
Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?