Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$129.55
+2.40%
UTILITIES · Cap: $100.82B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 105% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $31.79B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 15.6%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.68. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
DUK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-64.7%
Fair Value
$78.65
Current Price
$129.55
$50.90 premium
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
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%
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
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 2.2%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DUK
The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.6% and operating margin at 28.1%.
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 : DUK
The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK profiles as a mature stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.45 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 15.6% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Duke Energy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Duke Energy Corporation is an American electric power and natural gas holding company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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 UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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