Fulgent Genetics Inc (FLGT)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
FLGT
Fulgent Genetics Inc
$20.45
+1.64%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $539.02M
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$143.93
-0.54%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $355.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 20450% more annual revenue ($66.57B vs $323.93M). MRK leads profitability with a 4.8% profit margin vs -26.1%. FLGT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. FLGT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 42/100 (D).
FLGT
Hold42
out of 100
Grade: D
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+55.0%
Fair Value
$51.10
Current Price
$20.45
$30.65 discount
Margin of Safety
-73.7%
Fair Value
$82.84
Current Price
$143.93
$61.09 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
4.4% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -8.4% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 98.6%
Trading at 8.5x book value
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
4.8% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FLGT
The strongest argument for FLGT centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. PEG of 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : FLGT
The primary concerns for FLGT are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, 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
FLGT profiles as a turnaround stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
FLGT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — 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
FLGT scores higher overall (42/100 vs 36/100). Both earn "Hold" 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.
Fulgent Genetics Inc
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Fulgent Genetics, Inc., provides COVID-19 testing and genetic testing services to physicians with clinically actionable diagnostic information. The company is headquartered in Temple City, 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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