WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 64279% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $102.16M). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs -34.9%. ASRT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).

ASRT

Avoid

30

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 2.0Value: 5.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: -2.73

MRK

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 8.0Value: 2.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.30
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ASRT.

MRKSignificantly Overvalued (-49.3%)

Margin of Safety

-49.3%

Fair Value

$80.88

Current Price

$120.79

$39.91 premium

UndervaluedFair: $80.88Overvalued

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

MRK3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$285.64B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.93B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ASRT4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$151.54M3/10

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: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.073/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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, Operating Margin, 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 P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

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 0.45 — expect wider price swings.

MRK is growing revenue faster at 4.9% — 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 30/100). 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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