Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsWestern Digital Corporation (WDC)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$114.18
-0.02%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $282.30B
WDC
Western Digital Corporation
$293.10
-7.52%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $100.21B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 506% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $10.73B). WDC leads profitability with a 35.6% profit margin vs 28.1%. WDC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
WDC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-130.9%
Fair Value
$49.44
Current Price
$114.18
$64.74 premium
Margin of Safety
-311.2%
Fair Value
$66.57
Current Price
$293.10
$226.53 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
Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Moderate valuation
Trading at 14.0x book value
Revenue declined 41.0%
Earnings declined 95.9%
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 : WDC
The strongest argument for WDC centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.6% and operating margin at 15.4%. 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 : WDC
The primary concerns for WDC are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MRK profiles as a value stock while WDC is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
WDC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.85 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.0% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 55/100), 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.
Visit Website →Western Digital Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA
Western Digital Corporation (WDC, commonly known as Western Digital or WD) is an American computer hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, headquartered in San Jose, California. It designs, manufactures and sells data technology products, including storage devices, data center systems and cloud storage services.
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