Cigna Corp (CI)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
CI
Cigna Corp
$280.76
+3.36%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $74.19B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$144.85
+0.64%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $355.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cigna Corp generates 324% more annual revenue ($282.38B vs $66.57B). MRK leads profitability with a 4.8% profit margin vs 2.3%. CI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.76. CI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
CI
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+58.5%
Fair Value
$676.72
Current Price
$280.76
$395.96 discount
Margin of Safety
-73.7%
Fair Value
$82.84
Current Price
$144.85
$62.01 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
2.3% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.0%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Trading at 8.5x book value
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
4.8% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CI
The strongest argument for CI centers on P/E Ratio, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.76 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 : CI
The primary concerns for CI are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow. Thin 2.3% 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
CI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.32 — expect wider price swings.
CI is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor HEALTHCARE PLANS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CI scores higher overall (67/100 vs 36/100). Both earn "Strong 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.
Cigna Corp
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
Cigna is an American multinational managed healthcare and insurance company based in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Its insurance subsidiaries are major providers of medical, dental, disability, life and accident insurance and related products and services, the majority of which are offered through employers and other groups (e.g. governmental and non-governmental organizations, unions and associations).
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 HEALTHCARE PLANS Stocks
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