Alkermes Plc (ALKS)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
ALKS
Alkermes Plc
$33.71
-1.26%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $5.62B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 4305% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $1.48B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 16.4%. ALKS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.96. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
ALKS
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+54.1%
Fair Value
$76.10
Current Price
$33.71
$42.39 discount
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 10.6%
Earnings declined 67.0%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALKS
The strongest argument for ALKS centers on Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.4% and operating margin at 15.1%.
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 : ALKS
The primary concerns for ALKS are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALKS profiles as a declining stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ALKS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.39 — 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.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 28.1% margins. ALKS offers better value entry with a 54.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Alkermes Plc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - SPECIALTY & GENERIC · USA
Alkermes plc, a biopharmaceutical company, researches, develops and markets pharmaceutical products to address the unmet medical needs of patients in various therapeutic areas in the United States, Ireland and internationally. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
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 DRUG MANUFACTURERS - SPECIALTY & GENERIC Stocks
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