Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsSTAAR Surgical Company (STAA)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$111.38
-0.82%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $277.36B
STAA
STAAR Surgical Company
$26.69
-2.16%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $1.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 27367% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $239.44M). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs -33.6%. STAA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.76. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
STAA
Hold37
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-14.9%
Fair Value
$97.76
Current Price
$111.38
$13.62 premium
Margin of Safety
+40.5%
Fair Value
$29.00
Current Price
$26.69
$2.31 discount
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
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
18.1% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -21.7% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 10.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bull Case : STAA
The strongest argument for STAA centers on Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 18.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.76 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : STAA
The primary concerns for STAA are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MRK profiles as a value stock while STAA is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
STAA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
STAA is growing revenue faster at 18.1% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (50/100 vs 37/100). STAA offers better value entry with a 40.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Hold" 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 →STAAR Surgical Company
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
STAAR Surgical Company designs, develops, manufactures, markets and sells implantable eye lenses and supplemental delivery systems for placing the lenses in the eye. The company is headquartered in Lake Forest, California.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
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