Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsSTERIS plc (STE)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$120.79
-1.42%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $285.64B
STE
STERIS plc
$212.35
+0.05%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $20.23B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 1008% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $5.94B). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs 13.2%. STE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.41. STE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
STE
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-49.3%
Fair Value
$80.88
Current Price
$120.79
$39.91 premium
Margin of Safety
-52.2%
Fair Value
$159.97
Current Price
$212.35
$52.38 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Earnings expanding 52.2% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 20.0%
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Moderate valuation
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bull Case : STE
The strongest argument for STE centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. PEG of 1.41 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : STE
The primary concerns for STE are P/E Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
STE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.
STE is growing revenue faster at 7.3% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
STE scores higher overall (70/100 vs 50/100). Both earn "Strong 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 →STERIS plc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA
Steris Corporation is an American Irish-domiciled medical equipment company specializing in sterilization and surgical products for the US healthcare system.
Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?