Merck & Company Inc
NYSE: MRK · HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL
Updated 2026-04-29
Merck & Company Inc (MRK) Stock Valuation Analysis
Fair value estimate, historical valuation range, and quality signals for MRK.
Valued
Valuation reasonably reflects current fundamentals. Limited margin of safety at these levels.
MRK historical valuation range
Where current P/E sits in MRK's own 5Y range.
MRK intrinsic value (DCF)
DCF-based fair value estimate vs current market price.
Intrinsic value calculated using discounted cash flow (DCF) model based on projected free cash flows, discount rate, and terminal growth assumptions. A positive margin of safety indicates the current price is below estimated fair value, providing a cushion against estimation error.
MRK valuation signals
Quick-read green flags, caution flags, and risks based on current metrics.
P/E Ratio — History
Current: 15.37x
P/S Ratio — History
Current: 4.25x
Is MRK overvalued in 2026?
Merck & Company Inc (MRK) currently trades at $109.18 per share with a market capitalization of $276,379,501,000.00. Based on our multi-factor framework, the stock trades at a fair valuation with a Smart Value Score of 59/100. This score blends growth quality, financial health, and price attractiveness into a single institutional-grade read.
The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 15.4x, above its 5-year median of 14.8x. The PEG ratio of 3.42 indicates the price has run ahead of the underlying growth rate.
Looking at its own history, MRK is currently trading more expensive than 58% of the last 5Y on P/E. This places it in the 58th percentile of its historical range, a reasonable but unremarkable position.
Our discounted cash flow model estimates MRK's intrinsic value at $96.48 per share, against the current market price of $109.18. This implies a premium to fair value of -15.07%. The current price sits well above what projected cash flows justify, implying investors are paying for growth that has not yet materialized.
Financial quality is a concern. The Piotroski F-Score of 3/9 flags weakening fundamentals that deserve closer scrutiny before the valuation case can be fully trusted.
Bottom line: MRK trades at a fair valuation on our framework, with a Smart Value Score of 59/100. The valuation is defensible but offers no obvious bargain. Patience or a better entry price may reward disciplined buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is MRK overvalued in 2026?
Based on a Smart Value Score of 59/100, MRK is fairly valued. Price reasonably reflects current fundamentals with limited cushion in either direction.
What is MRK's fair value?
Our DCF model estimates MRK's intrinsic value at $96.48 per share, versus the current price of $109.18. This produces a margin of safety of -15.07%.
What P/E ratio does MRK trade at?
MRK trades at a P/E of 15.4x on trailing twelve-month earnings, compared to its 5-year median of 14.8x.
Is MRK a buy based on valuation?
WallStSmart does not issue buy or sell recommendations. Our Smart Value Score of 59/100 reflects the combined read on growth, quality, and price. The profile is balanced. Best suited for investors with an existing thesis.
How does MRK's valuation compare to its history?
On P/E, MRK currently sits in the 58th percentile of its own 5Y range. That is above its long-run median relative to where it has traded over the period.
What is MRK's Smart Value Score?
MRK's Smart Value Score is 59/100. The Smart Value Score is a proprietary WallStSmart metric blending growth quality, financial health, and valuation attractiveness into a single 0-100 read. Scores above 75 are rare and indicate strong multi-factor alignment.