Harvard Bioscience Inc (HBIO)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
HBIO
Harvard Bioscience Inc
$8.03
-1.47%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $37.33M
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$143.93
-0.54%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $355.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 75712% more annual revenue ($66.57B vs $87.81M). MRK leads profitability with a 4.8% profit margin vs -11.9%. HBIO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.31. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 36/100 (F).
HBIO
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HBIO.
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
No standout strengths identified
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -147.1% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 80.3%
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 : HBIO
Revenue growth of 11.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.31 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 : HBIO
The primary concerns for HBIO are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 5.96 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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
HBIO profiles as a turnaround stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
HBIO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.49 — expect wider price swings.
HBIO is growing revenue faster at 11.1% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HBIO scores higher overall (36/100 vs 36/100) and 11.1% revenue growth. 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.
Harvard Bioscience Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Harvard Bioscience, Inc. develops, manufactures, and sells technologies, products, and services that enable fundamental research, discovery, and preclinical testing for drug development. The company is headquartered in Holliston, Massachusetts.
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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