Assertio Therapeutics Inc (ASRT)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
ASRT
Assertio Therapeutics Inc
$18.43
+2.11%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $118.97M
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 54663% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $118.71M). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs -25.6%. ASRT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
ASRT
Avoid33
out of 100
Grade: F
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+84.8%
Fair Value
$78.89
Current Price
$18.43
$60.46 discount
Margin of Safety
-13.2%
Fair Value
$96.48
Current Price
$109.18
$12.70 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
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
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -28.2% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 57.9%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ASRT
The strongest argument for ASRT centers on Price/Book.
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 : ASRT
The primary concerns for ASRT are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ASRT profiles as a turnaround stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ASRT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.43 — 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.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 33/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. ASRT offers better value entry with a 84.8% 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.
Assertio Therapeutics Inc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - SPECIALTY & GENERIC · USA
Assertio Holdings, Inc., a commercial pharmaceutical company, provides medications in the areas of neurology, hospital, and pain and inflammation. The company is headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois.
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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