Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsUniversal Corporation (UVV)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
+2.58%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
UVV
Universal Corporation
$51.95
+1.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.32B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 2076% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $2.99B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 3.7%. UVV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.89. UVV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
UVV
Buy61
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
+74.6%
Fair Value
$207.79
Current Price
$51.95
$155.84 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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 32.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
3.7% margin — thin
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 : UVV
The strongest argument for UVV centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : UVV
The primary concerns for UVV are Market Cap, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. Thin 3.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
UVV carries more volatility with a beta of 0.67 — expect wider price swings.
UVV is growing revenue faster at 6.1% — 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
UVV scores higher overall (61/100 vs 59/100). 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 →Universal Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Universal Corporation processes and supplies leaf tobacco and plant ingredients worldwide. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
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