Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsPrestige Brand Holdings Inc (PBH)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$129.79
-0.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $307.25B
PBH
Prestige Brand Holdings Inc
$49.95
-4.29%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $2.39B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 5941% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $1.09B). PBH leads profitability with a 17.5% profit margin vs 13.6%. PBH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.53. PBH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
PBH
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-62.3%
Fair Value
$81.23
Current Price
$129.79
$48.56 premium
Margin of Safety
-54.8%
Fair Value
$42.61
Current Price
$49.95
$7.34 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 26.8%
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 5.0%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bull Case : PBH
The strongest argument for PBH centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.5% and operating margin at 26.8%.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : PBH
The primary concerns for PBH are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MRK profiles as a value stock while PBH is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
PBH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.35 — 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.
Bottom Line
PBH scores higher overall (63/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 17.5% margins. 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.
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 →Prestige Brand Holdings Inc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - SPECIALTY & GENERIC · USA
Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc., develops, manufactures, markets, distributes and sells over-the-counter (OTC) healthcare products in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Tarrytown, New York.
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