Cross Country Healthcare Inc (CCRN)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
CCRN
Cross Country Healthcare Inc
$10.12
-1.46%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $323.92M
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 6066% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $1.05B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs -9.0%. MRK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.36. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
CCRN
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+76.4%
Fair Value
$35.09
Current Price
$10.12
$24.97 discount
Margin of Safety
-13.2%
Fair Value
$96.48
Current Price
$109.18
$12.70 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.8%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -25.6% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CCRN
The strongest argument for CCRN centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
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 : CCRN
The primary concerns for CCRN are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CCRN profiles as a turnaround stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CCRN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.34 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.0% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 36/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. CCRN offers better value entry with a 76.4% margin of safety. 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.
Cross Country Healthcare Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA
Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. provides talent management and other consulting services for healthcare clients in the United States. The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida.
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 CARE FACILITIES Stocks
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