Applied Materials Inc (AMAT)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
AMAT
Applied Materials Inc
$435.44
+6.04%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $325.89B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$111.38
-0.82%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $277.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 133% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $28.21B). AMAT leads profitability with a 27.8% profit margin vs 13.6%. AMAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.96. AMAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AMAT
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AMAT.
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 39 in profit
Earnings expanding 75.2% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 29.9%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 15.9x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Revenue declined 2.1%
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 : AMAT
The strongest argument for AMAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.8% and operating margin at 29.9%.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : AMAT
The primary concerns for AMAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AMAT profiles as a declining stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AMAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.65 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 4.9% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AMAT scores higher overall (64/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 27.8% margins. 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.
Applied Materials Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA
Applied Materials, Inc. is an American corporation that supplies equipment, services and software for the manufacture of semiconductor (integrated circuit) chips for electronics, flat panel displays for computers, smartphones and televisions, and solar products. The company also supplies equipment to produce coatings for flexible electronics, packaging and other applications. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, in Silicon Valley.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?