Agenus Inc (AGEN)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
AGEN
Agenus Inc
$6.94
+0.73%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $310.19M
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$143.93
-0.54%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $355.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 50068% more annual revenue ($66.57B vs $132.69M). AGEN leads profitability with a 69.3% profit margin vs 4.8%. AGEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. AGEN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
AGEN
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AGEN.
Margin of Safety
-73.7%
Fair Value
$82.84
Current Price
$143.93
$61.09 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Keeps 69 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.7%
Revenue surging 34.4% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
0.0% earnings growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -1279.0% — below average capital efficiency
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Trading at 8.5x book value
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
4.8% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AGEN
The strongest argument for AGEN centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 69.3% and operating margin at 32.7%. Revenue growth of 34.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, 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 Price/Book, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 116.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
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 1.40 — expect wider price swings.
AGEN is growing revenue faster at 34.4% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AGEN scores higher overall (58/100 vs 36/100), backed by strong 69.3% margins and 34.4% 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 →Compare with Other BIOTECHNOLOGY Stocks
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