Haleon plc (HLN)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
HLN
Haleon plc
$9.19
-0.33%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $44.28B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$143.93
-0.54%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $355.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 497% more annual revenue ($66.57B vs $11.15B). HLN leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 4.8%. HLN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.48. HLN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).
HLN
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HLN.
Margin of Safety
-73.7%
Fair Value
$82.84
Current Price
$143.93
$61.09 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 23.9%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
2.2% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Earnings declined 4.5%
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 : HLN
The strongest argument for HLN centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : HLN
The primary concerns for HLN are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
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
HLN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.24 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.1% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - SPECIALTY & GENERIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
HLN scores higher overall (51/100 vs 36/100). 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.
Haleon plc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - SPECIALTY & GENERIC · USA
Haleon plc (HLN) is a leading global consumer health company, emerging as a spin-off from GlaxoSmithKline, dedicated to providing innovative health solutions through a robust portfolio of trusted brands, including Sensodyne, Panadol, and Voltaren. Focused on key segments such as oral care, pain relief, and dietary supplements, Haleon addresses evolving consumer needs while leveraging strong brand equity for sustained market presence. The company's commitment to sustainability and ongoing innovation, alongside strategic investments in product development, positions Haleon favorably for long-term growth and enhanced health outcomes, ultimately maximizing value for shareholders.
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 DRUG MANUFACTURERS - SPECIALTY & GENERIC Stocks
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