Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsWalmart Inc. Common Stock (WMT)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
+2.58%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
WMT
Walmart Inc. Common Stock
$123.06
+0.83%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $973.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Walmart Inc. Common Stock generates 997% more annual revenue ($713.16B vs $65.01B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 3.1%. MRK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.49. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
WMT
Hold43
out of 100
Grade: D
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
-563.0%
Fair Value
$18.56
Current Price
$123.06
$104.50 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
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Generating 6.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Trading at 9.8x book value
3.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.6%
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 : WMT
The strongest argument for WMT centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WMT
The primary concerns for WMT are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 44.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WMT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.66 — expect wider price swings.
WMT is growing revenue faster at 5.6% — sustainability is the question.
WMT generates stronger free cash flow (6.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 43/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. Both earn "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 →Walmart Inc. Common Stock
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Walmart Inc. is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores from the United States, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. It also owns and operates Sam's Club retail warehouses.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
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