Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc (APLS)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
APLS
Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc
$40.95
0.00%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $5.24B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$110.95
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 6377% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $1.00B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 2.2%. MRK trades at a lower P/E of 15.2x. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
APLS
Avoid27
out of 100
Grade: F
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+88.4%
Fair Value
$193.03
Current Price
$40.95
$152.08 discount
Margin of Safety
-13.2%
Fair Value
$96.48
Current Price
$110.95
$14.47 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
No standout strengths identified
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.8%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Trading at 14.0x book value
0.0% earnings growth
ROE of 7.5% — below average capital efficiency
2.2% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APLS
APLS has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.1% and operating margin at 32.8%.
Bear Case : APLS
The primary concerns for APLS are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. A P/E of 227.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MRK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.28 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.0% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor BIOTECHNOLOGY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 27/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. APLS offers better value entry with a 88.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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.
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.
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