WallStSmart

Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsSelect Medical Holdings (SEM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 1092% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $5.45B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 2.7%. SEM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.26. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

MRK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

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

SEM

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.74
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MRKOvervalued (-13.2%)

Margin of Safety

-13.2%

Fair Value

$96.48

Current Price

$109.18

$12.70 premium

UndervaluedFair: $96.48Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for SEM.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MRK6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$274.03B10/10

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
15.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.82B8/10

Generating 1.8B in free cash flow

SEM2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

P/E RatioValuation
14.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

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

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.362/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.3%2/10

Earnings declined 19.3%

SEM4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.264/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.744/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Profit MarginProfitability
2.7%3/10

2.7% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.6%3/10

Operating margin of 4.6%

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 : SEM

The strongest argument for SEM centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.

Bear Case : MRK

The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : SEM

The primary concerns for SEM are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SEM carries more volatility with a beta of 0.88 — expect wider price swings.

SEM is growing revenue faster at 7.2% — 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

MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. 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.

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Select Medical Holdings

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA

Select Medical Holdings Corporation, through its subsidiary, Select Medical Corporation, operates critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and occupational health centers in the United States. The company is headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

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