Alkermes Plc (ALKS)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
ALKS
Alkermes Plc
$45.97
-0.30%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $7.63B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$143.93
-0.54%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $355.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 3892% more annual revenue ($66.57B vs $1.67B). MRK leads profitability with a 4.8% profit margin vs 4.0%. ALKS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.96. ALKS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 46/100 (D+).
ALKS
Hold46
out of 100
Grade: D+
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+54.4%
Fair Value
$76.49
Current Price
$45.97
$30.52 discount
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
Revenue surging 27.0% year-over-year
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.0% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 99.4%
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 : ALKS
The strongest argument for ALKS centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 27.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : ALKS
The primary concerns for ALKS are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 119.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
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
ALKS profiles as a growth stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ALKS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.26 — expect wider price swings.
ALKS is growing revenue faster at 27.0% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ALKS scores higher overall (46/100 vs 36/100) and 27.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Hold" 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.
Alkermes Plc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - SPECIALTY & GENERIC · USA
Alkermes plc, a biopharmaceutical company, researches, develops and markets pharmaceutical products to address the unmet medical needs of patients in various therapeutic areas in the United States, Ireland and internationally. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
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 DRUG MANUFACTURERS - SPECIALTY & GENERIC Stocks
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