WallStSmart

CareDx Inc (CDNA)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 14257% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $458.09M). CDNA leads profitability with a 24.2% profit margin vs 13.6%. CDNA trades at a lower P/E of 22.6x. CDNA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).

CDNA

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 4.0Value: 7.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.36

MRK

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 7.0Value: 2.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.27
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CDNAUndervalued (+68.3%)

Margin of Safety

+68.3%

Fair Value

$62.15

Current Price

$47.31

$14.84 discount

UndervaluedFair: $62.15Overvalued
MRKSignificantly Overvalued (-60.9%)

Margin of Safety

-60.9%

Fair Value

$81.38

Current Price

$132.93

$51.55 premium

UndervaluedFair: $81.38Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CDNA3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
52.2%10/10

Revenue surging 52.2% year-over-year

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0510/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Profit MarginProfitability
24.2%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

MRK3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$316.14B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.48B8/10

Generating 4.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CDNA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Operating MarginProfitability
0.2%3/10

Operating margin of 0.2%

Return on EquityProfitability
-2.6%2/10

ROE of -2.6% — below average capital efficiency

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.362/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MRK4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
36.0x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
7.6%3/10

ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.293/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CDNA

The strongest argument for CDNA centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.2% and operating margin at 0.2%. Revenue growth of 52.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MRK

The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : CDNA

The primary concerns for CDNA are EPS Growth, Operating Margin, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : MRK

The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CDNA profiles as a growth stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CDNA carries more volatility with a beta of 2.42 — expect wider price swings.

CDNA is growing revenue faster at 52.2% — sustainability is the question.

MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CDNA scores higher overall (53/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 24.2% margins and 52.2% revenue growth. 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.

CareDx Inc

HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA

CareDx, Inc. discovers, develops and markets diagnostic solutions for transplant patients and caregivers globally. The company is headquartered in South San Francisco, 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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