Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsWestern Digital Corporation (WDC)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$113.11
+0.04%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $277.02B
WDC
Western Digital Corporation
$442.36
+2.51%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $152.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 458% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $11.78B). WDC leads profitability with a 55.3% profit margin vs 13.6%. WDC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.87. WDC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).
MRK
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
WDC
Strong Buy79
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-15.7%
Fair Value
$97.76
Current Price
$113.11
$15.35 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for WDC.
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 38.1%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 86 in profit
Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 37.0%
Revenue surging 45.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 477.2% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 21.2x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : WDC
The strongest argument for WDC centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 55.3% and operating margin at 37.0%. Revenue growth of 45.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : WDC
The primary concerns for WDC are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MRK profiles as a value stock while WDC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WDC carries more volatility with a beta of 2.16 — expect wider price swings.
WDC is growing revenue faster at 45.5% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WDC scores higher overall (79/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 55.3% margins and 45.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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 →Western Digital Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA
Western Digital Corporation (WDC, commonly known as Western Digital or WD) is an American computer hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, headquartered in San Jose, California. It designs, manufactures and sells data technology products, including storage devices, data center systems and cloud storage services.
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