Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsSTERIS plc (STE)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
STE
STERIS plc
$216.88
+1.99%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $20.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 1015% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $5.83B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 12.1%. STE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.68. STE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
STE
Buy60
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
-25.7%
Fair Value
$193.71
Current Price
$216.88
$23.17 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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
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 : STE
The strongest argument for STE centers on Price/Book.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : STE
The primary concerns for STE are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
STE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.07 — expect wider price swings.
STE is growing revenue faster at 9.2% — 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
STE scores higher overall (60/100 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 →STERIS plc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA
Steris Corporation is an American Irish-domiciled medical equipment company specializing in sterilization and surgical products for the US healthcare system.
Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?