Dow Showdown: Merck vs. Microsoft

The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which health-care editor/analyst David Williamson and technology and media editor/analyst Andrew Tonner discuss topics across the investing world.

As part of the Motley Fool Madness series, Andrew and David go head-to-head analyzing two Dow titans of industry. In today's showdown, software giant Microsoft faces off against big pharma member Merck. Microsoft offers investors a lot to like with its strong balance sheet and the soon-to-be-released Windows 8. At the same time, Merck enjoys a diversified portfolio of drugs, and although the patent cliff will hit it hard, Merck's pipeline looks poised to pick up the slack. However, looking ahead, which company has a greater catalyst for growth? Andrew and David present their arguments and our all-star team of analysts ultimately makes the call on the better Dow stock for the next 12 months.

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At the time thisarticle was published Andrew Tonner has no positions in the stocks mentioned above. David Williamson owns shares of Pfizer. The Motley Fool owns shares of Microsoft.Motley Fool newsletter services recommendMicrosoft, Pfizer, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

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