Align Technology Inc (ALGN)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
ALGN
Align Technology Inc
$168.78
+0.23%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $12.06B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$111.38
-0.82%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $277.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 1506% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $4.10B). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs 10.5%. ALGN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.89. ALGN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
ALGN
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+40.6%
Fair Value
$332.34
Current Price
$168.78
$163.56 discount
Margin of Safety
-14.9%
Fair Value
$97.76
Current Price
$111.38
$13.62 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 23.9% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALGN
The strongest argument for ALGN centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 0.89 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : ALGN
The primary concerns for ALGN are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALGN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.70 — expect wider price swings.
ALGN is growing revenue faster at 6.2% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ALGN scores higher overall (68/100 vs 50/100). Both earn "Strong 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.
Align Technology Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Align Technology is a manufacturer of 3D digital scanners and the Invisalign clear aligners used in orthodontics. It is headquartered in San Jose, 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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