WallStSmart

Agenus Inc (AGEN)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 52996% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $123.87M). AGEN leads profitability with a 52.2% profit margin vs 13.6%. AGEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. AGEN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

AGEN

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.5Value: 7.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -13.22

MRK

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 8.0Value: 2.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.30
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AGEN.

MRKSignificantly Overvalued (-49.3%)

Margin of Safety

-49.3%

Fair Value

$80.88

Current Price

$120.79

$39.91 premium

UndervaluedFair: $80.88Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AGEN5 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
1.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
52.2%10/10

Keeps 52 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
44.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 44.6%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
40.2%10/10

Revenue surging 40.2% year-over-year

Debt/EquityHealth
-1.3810/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

MRK3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$285.64B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.93B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

AGEN4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$144.92M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
-1279.0%2/10

ROE of -1279.0% — below average capital efficiency

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-35.95M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

MRK4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.073/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AGEN

The strongest argument for AGEN centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 52.2% and operating margin at 44.6%. Revenue growth of 40.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MRK

The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : AGEN

The primary concerns for AGEN are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : MRK

The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AGEN profiles as a growth stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

AGEN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.60 — expect wider price swings.

AGEN is growing revenue faster at 40.2% — sustainability is the question.

MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AGEN scores higher overall (58/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 52.2% margins and 40.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Agenus Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Agenus Inc., a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company, discovers and develops immuno-oncology products in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Visit Website →

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?