Edwards Lifesciences Corp (EW)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
EW
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
$79.96
-3.38%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $47.71B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$111.38
-0.82%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $277.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 943% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $6.30B). EW leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 13.6%. EW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.04. EW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
EW
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+69.7%
Fair Value
$261.90
Current Price
$79.96
$181.94 discount
Margin of Safety
-14.9%
Fair Value
$97.76
Current Price
$111.38
$13.62 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 31.2%
16.7% revenue growth
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : EW
The strongest argument for EW centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.4% and operating margin at 31.2%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : EW
The primary concerns for EW are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 44.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
EW profiles as a growth stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
EW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.87 — expect wider price swings.
EW is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
EW scores higher overall (61/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins and 16.7% 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.
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA
Edwards Lifesciences is an American medical technology company headquartered in Irvine, California, specializing in artificial heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring.
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 DEVICES Stocks
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