HealthStream Inc (HSTM)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
HSTM
HealthStream Inc
$28.29
-2.04%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $993.75M
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$146.99
-0.16%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $368.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 20445% more annual revenue ($67.38B vs $327.95M). HSTM leads profitability with a 6.3% profit margin vs 3.6%. MRK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.82. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 44/100 (D).
HSTM
Hold41
out of 100
Grade: D
MRK
Hold44
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HSTM.
Margin of Safety
-72.9%
Fair Value
$84.87
Current Price
$146.99
$62.12 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 41.2%
Generating 5.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 5.1% — below average capital efficiency
6.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 8.7x book value
4.7% revenue growth
ROE of 5.5% — below average capital efficiency
3.6% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HSTM
The strongest argument for HSTM centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : HSTM
The primary concerns for HSTM are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 46.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity. A P/E of 151.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HSTM carries more volatility with a beta of 0.43 — expect wider price swings.
HSTM is growing revenue faster at 8.9% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (5.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor HEALTH INFORMATION SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (44/100 vs 41/100). Both earn "Hold" 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.
HealthStream Inc
HEALTHCARE · HEALTH INFORMATION SERVICES · USA
HealthStream, Inc. provides provider and staff solutions for healthcare organizations in the United States. The company is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.
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 HEALTH INFORMATION SERVICES Stocks
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