WallStSmart

Assertio Therapeutics Inc (ASRT)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 65063% more annual revenue ($66.57B vs $102.16M). MRK leads profitability with a 4.8% profit margin vs -34.9%. ASRT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 36/100 (F).

ASRT

Avoid

29

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 2.0Value: 5.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: -2.85

MRK

Hold

36

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.0Profit: 4.5Value: 2.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.27
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ASRT.

MRKSignificantly Overvalued (-73.7%)

Margin of Safety

-73.7%

Fair Value

$82.84

Current Price

$143.93

$61.09 premium

UndervaluedFair: $82.84Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ASRT1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

MRK2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$355.10B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.48B8/10

Generating 4.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ASRT4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$151.86M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-47.2%2/10

ROE of -47.2% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-62.5%2/10

Revenue declined 62.5%

MRK4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
8.5x4/10

Trading at 8.5x book value

Return on EquityProfitability
7.6%3/10

ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
4.8%3/10

4.8% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.293/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ASRT

The strongest argument for ASRT centers on Price/Book.

Bull Case : MRK

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

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 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

ASRT profiles as a turnaround stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

ASRT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.53 — expect wider price swings.

MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.1% — sustainability is the question.

MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MRK scores higher overall (36/100 vs 29/100). 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.

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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