Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsUnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
+2.58%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
$270.55
-0.64%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $250.15B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated generates 588% more annual revenue ($447.57B vs $65.01B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 2.7%. UNH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.98. UNH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
UNH
Buy59
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
-202.7%
Fair Value
$89.96
Current Price
$270.55
$180.59 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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
2.7% margin — thin
Operating margin of 0.3%
Earnings declined 99.9%
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 : UNH
The strongest argument for UNH centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.98 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : UNH
The primary concerns for UNH are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
UNH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.38 — expect wider price swings.
UNH is growing revenue faster at 12.3% — 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 59/100), 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 →UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is an American for-profit multinational managed healthcare and insurance company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It offers health care products and insurance services. In 2020, it was the second-largest healthcare company (behind CVS Health) by revenue with $257.1 billion, and the largest insurance company by net premiums. UnitedHealthcare revenues comprise 80% of the Group's overall revenue.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
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