Astrana Health Inc (ASTH)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
ASTH
Astrana Health Inc
$34.14
-2.50%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $1.95B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 1943% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $3.18B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 0.7%. MRK trades at a lower P/E of 15.2x. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
ASTH
Hold44
out of 100
Grade: D
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ASTH.
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
Revenue surging 42.9% year-over-year
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
ROE of 4.5% — below average capital efficiency
0.7% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.9%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ASTH
The strongest argument for ASTH centers on Revenue Growth, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 42.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : ASTH
The primary concerns for ASTH are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 76.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ASTH profiles as a hypergrowth stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ASTH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.77 — expect wider price swings.
ASTH is growing revenue faster at 42.9% — 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 44/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. 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.
Astrana Health Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA
Astrana Health, Inc., Inc., a physician-centric technology-powered healthcare management company, provides medical care services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Alhambra, 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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