WallStSmart

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc (APLS)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 5850% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $1.11B). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs 12.1%. MRK trades at a lower P/E of 32.6x. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).

APLS

Buy

50

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -2.39

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

APLSUndervalued (+88.5%)

Margin of Safety

+88.5%

Fair Value

$194.37

Current Price

$41.03

$153.34 discount

UndervaluedFair: $194.37Overvalued
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

APLS2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
33.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
60.9%10/10

Revenue surging 60.9% year-over-year

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

APLS4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
12.7x4/10

Trading at 12.7x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

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 : APLS

The strongest argument for APLS centers on Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 60.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MRK

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

Bear Case : APLS

The primary concerns for APLS are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : MRK

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

MRK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.20 — expect wider price swings.

APLS is growing revenue faster at 60.9% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

APLS scores higher overall (50/100 vs 50/100) and 60.9% 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.

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of therapeutic compounds through inhibition of the complement system for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The company is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

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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.

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