Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
-0.36%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$51.89
-0.56%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $81.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 147% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $26.35B). USB leads profitability with a 28.7% profit margin vs 28.1%. USB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.80. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
USB
Strong Buy75
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-141.2%
Fair Value
$49.50
Current Price
$119.37
$69.87 premium
Margin of Safety
+75.8%
Fair Value
$214.00
Current Price
$51.89
$162.11 discount
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 24.7% YoY
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : USB
The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.7% and operating margin at 39.3%.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MRK profiles as a value stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.
USB is growing revenue faster at 5.3% — sustainability is the question.
USB generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
USB scores higher overall (75/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 28.7% 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.
Visit Website →U.S. Bancorp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.
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