WallStSmart

Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsPayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 96% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $33.17B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 15.8%. PYPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. PYPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

MRK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9

PYPL

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.66
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MRKSignificantly Overvalued (-141.2%)

Margin of Safety

-141.2%

Fair Value

$49.50

Current Price

$119.37

$69.87 premium

UndervaluedFair: $49.50Overvalued
PYPLUndervalued (+82.3%)

Margin of Safety

+82.3%

Fair Value

$253.19

Current Price

$44.85

$208.34 discount

UndervaluedFair: $253.19Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MRK6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$287.71B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
36.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
32.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.8%

Profit MarginProfitability
28.1%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.82B8/10

Generating 1.8B in free cash flow

PYPL6 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
25.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.698/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
39.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 39.4% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.19B8/10

Generating 2.2B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

MRK3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.492/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.3%2/10

Earnings declined 19.3%

PYPL2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.7%4/10

3.7% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.664/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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%.

Bull Case : PYPL

The strongest argument for PYPL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.8% and operating margin at 17.5%. PEG of 0.69 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 : PYPL

The primary concerns for PYPL are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PYPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.46 — expect wider price swings.

MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.0% — sustainability is the question.

PYPL generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

PYPL scores higher overall (78/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 15.8% margins. 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.

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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PayPal Holdings Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

PayPal Holdings, Inc. is an American company operating an online payments system in the majority of countries that support online money transfers, and serves as an electronic alternative to traditional paper methods like checks and money orders. The company operates as a payment processor for online vendors, auction sites, and many other commercial users, for which it charges a fee.

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