ASML vs MRK: Which Is the Better Buy?
Side-by-side comparison of ASML Holding N.V. and Merck & Co., Inc. — fair value, conviction, valuation metrics, and QuantHub research signals.
Updated 2026-04-22.
ASML Holding N.V. · Technology
$1,458.97
+65.1% upside to fair value
Grade B
High Quality
VS
Merck & Co., Inc. · Healthcare
$119.07
-4.0% upside to fair value
Grade D
High Quality
QuantHub Verdict
ASML has more upside to fair value
(+65.1%).
MRK trades at a lower forward P/E
(16.2x).
These are model outputs — not personalized investment advice.
See all research →
Valuation & Fundamentals
| Metric |
ASML |
MRK |
| Current Price |
$1,458.97 |
$119.07 |
| Fair Value Estimate |
$2,408.73 |
$114.30 |
| Upside to Fair Value |
+65.1%
|
-4.0%
|
| Market Cap |
$562.3B |
$294.4B |
| Forward P/E |
48.3x
|
16.2x
|
| EV / EBITDA |
37.6x
|
12.6x
|
| Price / Sales |
14.4x
|
4.5x
|
| Price / FCF |
54.4x
|
23.8x
|
| Revenue Growth YoY |
+13.2%
|
+5.0%
|
| Gross Margin |
52.6%
|
81.5%
|
| Operating Margin |
34.8%
|
41.2%
|
| Return on Equity |
52.0%
|
36.2%
|
| Dividend Yield |
0% |
0% |
| FCF Yield |
1.84%
|
4.2%
|
| Analyst Consensus |
Strong Buy
|
Hold
|
Investment Thesis
ASML Holding N.V. is a leading technology company specializing in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, particularly extreme ultraviolet lithography machines which hold a near-monopoly position. The company benefits from a durable competitive moat driven by its technological leadership, high barriers to entry, and strong demand from semiconductor manufacturers globally, especially in China. Desp…
Merck & Co., Inc. is a leading global healthcare company specializing in pharmaceuticals, particularly oncology and vaccines. The company benefits from a strong business quality characterized by a durable competitive moat, high gross margins of 81.5%, and a robust return on equity of 36.2%. Despite these strengths, the stock is currently fairly valued but slightly overvalued by 4% relative to its…
Accumulation Zones
| Metric |
ASML |
MRK |
| Zone Low |
$1,806.55 |
$85.72 |
| Zone High |
$2,047.42 |
$97.16 |
| In Buy Zone? |
Yes
|
No
|