Moodys Corporation (MCO)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
MCO
Moodys Corporation
$428.05
+0.99%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $76.27B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
-0.37%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 742% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $7.72B). MCO leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 28.1%. MCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.93. MCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
MCO
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+33.1%
Fair Value
$639.76
Current Price
$428.05
$211.71 discount
Margin of Safety
-141.2%
Fair Value
$49.50
Current Price
$119.37
$69.87 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 62 in profit
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 42.1%
Earnings expanding 57.6% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 18.7x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MCO
The strongest argument for MCO centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.9% and operating margin at 42.1%. Revenue growth of 13.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : MCO
The primary concerns for MCO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCO profiles as a mature stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MCO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.44 — expect wider price swings.
MCO is growing revenue faster at 13.0% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MCO scores higher overall (71/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 31.9% margins and 13.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Moodys Corporation
FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA
Moody's Corporation, often referred to as Moody's, is an American business and financial services company. It is the holding company for Moody's Investors Service (MIS), an American credit rating agency, and Moody's Analytics (MA), an American provider of financial analysis software and services.
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.
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