Live Ventures Inc (LIVE)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
LIVE
Live Ventures Inc
$13.25
+0.61%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $40.70M
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$111.38
-0.82%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $277.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 14780% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $441.98M). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs 5.0%. LIVE trades at a lower P/E of 2.8x. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).
LIVE
Hold44
out of 100
Grade: D
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+89.0%
Fair Value
$177.00
Current Price
$13.25
$163.75 discount
Margin of Safety
-13.8%
Fair Value
$97.84
Current Price
$111.38
$13.54 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
5.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.2%
Elevated debt levels
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 : LIVE
The strongest argument for LIVE centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : LIVE
The primary concerns for LIVE are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LIVE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 4.9% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (50/100 vs 44/100). LIVE offers better value entry with a 89.0% margin of safety. 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.
Live Ventures Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA
Live Ventures Incorporated is engaged in flooring manufacturing, steel fabrication and retail businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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 HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL Stocks
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