Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc (APLS)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
APLS
Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc
$41.03
0.00%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $5.25B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$143.93
-0.54%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $355.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 5923% more annual revenue ($66.57B vs $1.11B). APLS leads profitability with a 12.1% profit margin vs 4.8%. APLS trades at a lower P/E of 38.3x. APLS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (C-).
APLS
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+88.5%
Fair Value
$194.37
Current Price
$41.03
$153.34 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
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Revenue surging 60.9% year-over-year
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 12.7x book value
0.0% earnings growth
Elevated debt levels
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 : 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, 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 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
APLS profiles as a growth stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MRK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.23 — expect wider price swings.
APLS is growing revenue faster at 60.9% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
APLS scores higher overall (50/100 vs 36/100) 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.
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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