Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsNational HealthCare Corporation (NHC)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
+2.74%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
NHC
National HealthCare Corporation
$175.07
+0.25%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $2.73B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 4183% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $1.52B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 7.9%. NHC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.82. NHC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
NHC
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-13.2%
Fair Value
$96.48
Current Price
$109.18
$12.70 premium
Margin of Safety
-6.8%
Fair Value
$157.58
Current Price
$175.07
$17.49 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Earnings expanding 306.3% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
4.6% revenue growth
7.9% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : NHC
The strongest argument for NHC centers on EPS Growth, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.82 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : NHC
The primary concerns for NHC are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NHC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.0% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NHC scores higher overall (62/100 vs 59/100). Both earn "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.
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 →National HealthCare Corporation
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA
National HealthCare Corporation operates, manages, and provides services to skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, home health programs, and a behavioral health hospital. The company is headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
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