Achieve Life Sciences Inc (ACHV)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
ACHV
Achieve Life Sciences Inc
$4.15
-2.81%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $220.95M
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 0.0%. MRK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.36. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
ACHV
Avoid26
out of 100
Grade: F
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ACHV.
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
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
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
Trading at 10.4x book value
0.0% revenue growth
0.0% earnings growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ACHV
The strongest argument for ACHV centers on Debt/Equity.
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 : ACHV
The primary concerns for ACHV are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ACHV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.96 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.0% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor BIOTECHNOLOGY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 26/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Achieve Life Sciences Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Achieve Life Sciences, Inc., a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, develops and markets cytisinicline for smoking and nicotine addiction cessation in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.
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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