Becton Dickinson and Company (BDX)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
BDX
Becton Dickinson and Company
$183.00
+1.27%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $48.05B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$150.91
+0.94%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $355.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 196% more annual revenue ($66.57B vs $22.48B). MRK leads profitability with a 4.8% profit margin vs 4.2%. BDX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.11. BDX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).
BDX
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+11.0%
Fair Value
$202.87
Current Price
$183.00
$19.87 discount
Margin of Safety
-77.2%
Fair Value
$83.04
Current Price
$150.91
$67.87 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 3.9% — below average capital efficiency
4.2% margin — thin
Earnings declined 31.4%
Trading at 8.9x book value
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
4.8% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : BDX
The strongest argument for BDX centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.11 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : BDX
The primary concerns for BDX are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 4.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 116.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
BDX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.28 — expect wider price swings.
BDX is growing revenue faster at 5.4% — 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
BDX scores higher overall (52/100 vs 36/100). 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.
Becton Dickinson and Company
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Becton, Dickinson and Company, also known as BD, is an American multinational medical technology company that manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems, and reagents. BD also provides consulting and analytics services in certain geographies.
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 MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES Stocks
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