Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
LLY
Eli Lilly and Company
$1,131.42
-1.21%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $1.01T
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$120.79
-1.36%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $283.78B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Eli Lilly and Company generates 10% more annual revenue ($72.25B vs $65.77B). LLY leads profitability with a 35.0% profit margin vs 13.6%. LLY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. LLY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).
LLY
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LLY.
Margin of Safety
-42.4%
Fair Value
$80.88
Current Price
$120.79
$39.91 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 81 in profit
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 49.4%
Revenue surging 55.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 169.9% YoY
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
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 32.4x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LLY
The strongest argument for LLY centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.0% and operating margin at 49.4%. Revenue growth of 55.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : LLY
The primary concerns for LLY are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 40.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LLY profiles as a growth stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
LLY carries more volatility with a beta of 0.52 — expect wider price swings.
LLY is growing revenue faster at 55.5% — sustainability is the question.
LLY generates stronger free cash flow (3.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LLY scores higher overall (76/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 35.0% margins and 55.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.
Eli Lilly and Company
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Eli Lilly and Company is an American pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, with offices in 18 countries. Its products are sold in approximately 125 countries.
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 - GENERAL Stocks
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