Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsW. R. Berkley Corp (WRB)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
+2.58%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
WRB
W. R. Berkley Corp
$64.49
-0.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $24.51B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 342% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $14.71B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 12.1%. 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
WRB
Buy55
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
-136.4%
Fair Value
$30.26
Current Price
$64.49
$34.23 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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
1.5% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 21.8%
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 : WRB
The strongest argument for WRB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WRB
The primary concerns for WRB are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WRB carries more volatility with a beta of 0.34 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.0% — 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 55/100), 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 →W. R. Berkley Corp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - PROPERTY & CASUALTY · USA
W. R. Berkley Corporation is a commercial lines property & casualty insurance holding company organized in Delaware and based in Greenwich, Connecticut.
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