WallStSmart

Agilent Technologies Inc (A)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 820% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $7.07B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 18.3%. A appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.19. A earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

A

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.99

MRK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ASignificantly Overvalued (-318.5%)

Margin of Safety

-318.5%

Fair Value

$30.80

Current Price

$112.98

$82.18 premium

UndervaluedFair: $30.80Overvalued
MRKSignificantly Overvalued (-141.2%)

Margin of Safety

-141.2%

Fair Value

$49.50

Current Price

$119.37

$69.87 premium

UndervaluedFair: $49.50Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

A2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
20.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
22.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.9%

MRK6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$287.71B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
36.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
32.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.8%

Profit MarginProfitability
28.1%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.82B8/10

Generating 1.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

A3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.994/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.6%2/10

Earnings declined 3.6%

MRK3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.492/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.3%2/10

Earnings declined 19.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : A

The strongest argument for A centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.3% and operating margin at 22.9%. PEG of 1.19 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull 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%.

Bear Case : A

The primary concerns for A are Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : MRK

The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

A profiles as a mature stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

A carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.

A is growing revenue faster at 7.0% — sustainability is the question.

MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

A scores higher overall (61/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 18.3% 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.

Agilent Technologies Inc

HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA

Agilent Technologies, Inc. is an American analytical instrumentation development and manufacturing company that offers its products and services to markets worldwide. Its global headquarters is located in Santa Clara, California.

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.

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