Arcutis Biotherapeutics Inc (ARQT)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
ARQT
Arcutis Biotherapeutics Inc
$21.23
-3.28%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $3.05B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$120.79
-3.46%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $285.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 15724% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $415.62M). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs -0.6%. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).
ARQT
Avoid32
out of 100
Grade: F
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+79.8%
Fair Value
$131.70
Current Price
$21.23
$110.47 discount
Margin of Safety
-49.3%
Fair Value
$80.88
Current Price
$120.79
$39.91 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 60.1% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Trading at 14.0x book value
0.0% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -1.3% — below average capital efficiency
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ARQT
The strongest argument for ARQT centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 60.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : ARQT
The primary concerns for ARQT are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ARQT profiles as a hypergrowth stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ARQT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.52 — expect wider price swings.
ARQT is growing revenue faster at 60.1% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (50/100 vs 32/100). ARQT offers better value entry with a 79.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Hold" 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.
Arcutis Biotherapeutics Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on developing and commercializing treatments for dermatological diseases. The company is headquartered in Westlake Village, California.
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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