Align Technology Inc (ALGN)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
ALGN
Align Technology Inc
$166.00
+4.16%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $10.91B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$146.72
-0.14%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $368.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 1528% more annual revenue ($67.38B vs $4.14B). ALGN leads profitability with a 10.0% profit margin vs 3.6%. ALGN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.64. ALGN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
ALGN
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
MRK
Hold44
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+32.3%
Fair Value
$291.64
Current Price
$166.00
$125.64 discount
Margin of Safety
-76.6%
Fair Value
$84.66
Current Price
$146.72
$62.06 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 41.2%
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
4.3% revenue growth
Earnings declined 12.1%
Trading at 8.6x book value
4.7% revenue growth
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
3.6% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALGN
The strongest argument for ALGN centers on Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.64 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 Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity. A P/E of 151.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALGN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.67 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 4.7% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ALGN scores higher overall (56/100 vs 44/100). 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.
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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