Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsAT&T Inc (T)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
+2.58%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
T
AT&T Inc
$28.81
-0.21%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $204.67B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AT&T Inc generates 93% more annual revenue ($125.65B vs $65.01B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 17.5%. T appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.60. T earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
T
Buy63
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
-39.7%
Fair Value
$20.67
Current Price
$28.81
$8.14 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 4.5B 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
3.6% revenue growth
Earnings declined 5.6%
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 : T
The strongest argument for T centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.5% and operating margin at 18.4%.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : T
The primary concerns for T are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
T carries more volatility with a beta of 0.58 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.0% — sustainability is the question.
T generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
T scores higher overall (63/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 17.5% 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 →AT&T Inc
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · TELECOM SERVICES · USA
AT&T Inc. is an American multinational conglomerate holding company, Delaware-registered but headquartered at Whitacre Tower in Downtown Dallas, Texas. It is the world largest telecommunications company, and the second largest provider of mobile telephone services.
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