Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsProtagonist Therapeutics Inc (PTGX)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$120.79
-3.46%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $285.64B
PTGX
Protagonist Therapeutics Inc
$97.38
-5.26%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $6.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 88700% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $74.06M). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs -154.9%. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
PTGX
Hold38
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-49.3%
Fair Value
$80.88
Current Price
$120.79
$39.91 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for PTGX.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Revenue surging 99.0% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 351.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 9.5x book value
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -17.5% — below average capital efficiency
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bull Case : PTGX
The strongest argument for PTGX centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 99.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : PTGX
The primary concerns for PTGX are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MRK profiles as a value stock while PTGX is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
PTGX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.88 — expect wider price swings.
PTGX is growing revenue faster at 99.0% — 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 38/100). 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.
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.
Visit Website →Protagonist Therapeutics Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, discovers and develops peptide-based therapeutic drugs to address unmet medical needs. The company is headquartered in Newark, California.
Compare with Other DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?