LivaNova PLC (LIVN)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
LIVN
LivaNova PLC
$60.10
+2.00%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $3.51B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 4584% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $1.39B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs -17.5%. LIVN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.74. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
LIVN
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+34.9%
Fair Value
$102.04
Current Price
$60.10
$41.94 discount
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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
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
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -19.2% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 45.6%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LIVN
The strongest argument for LIVN centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.74 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : LIVN
The primary concerns for LIVN are Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LIVN profiles as a turnaround stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
LIVN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.97 — expect wider price swings.
LIVN is growing revenue faster at 12.1% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. LIVN offers better value entry with a 34.9% margin of safety. 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.
LivaNova PLC
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA
LivaNova PLC, a medical device company, designs, develops, manufactures and sells therapeutic solutions globally. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
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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