Agenus Inc (AGEN)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
AGEN
Agenus Inc
$3.84
-1.29%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $147.45M
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 56829% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $114.20M). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 0.1%. AGEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
AGEN
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AGEN.
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
Strong operational efficiency at 42.1%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Revenue surging 27.5% year-over-year
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
0.0% earnings growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
0.1% margin — thin
ROE of -1279.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AGEN
The strongest argument for AGEN centers on Operating Margin, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 27.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : AGEN
The primary concerns for AGEN are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Thin 0.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AGEN profiles as a growth stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AGEN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.61 — expect wider price swings.
AGEN is growing revenue faster at 27.5% — 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 48/100), 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.
Agenus Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Agenus Inc., a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company, discovers and develops immuno-oncology products in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other BIOTECHNOLOGY Stocks
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