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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