Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsVir Biotechnology Inc (VIR)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
+2.74%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
VIR
Vir Biotechnology Inc
$10.22
+1.34%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $1.72B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 94729% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $68.56M). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 0.0%. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
VIR
Hold43
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-13.2%
Fair Value
$96.48
Current Price
$109.18
$12.70 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for VIR.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Revenue surging 417.8% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 58.5% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
0.0% margin — thin
ROE of -45.7% — 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, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.1% and operating margin at 32.8%.
Bull Case : VIR
The strongest argument for VIR centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 417.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : VIR
The primary concerns for VIR are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MRK profiles as a value stock while VIR is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
VIR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.66 — expect wider price swings.
VIR is growing revenue faster at 417.8% — 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 43/100), 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.
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 →Vir Biotechnology Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vir Biotechnology, Inc., a clinical-stage immunology company, develops therapeutic products to treat and prevent serious infectious diseases. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
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