Amphastar P (AMPH)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
AMPH
Amphastar P
$26.68
-2.59%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $1.03B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$149.32
+0.40%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $365.34B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 9019% more annual revenue ($66.57B vs $730.02M). AMPH leads profitability with a 10.8% profit margin vs 4.8%. MRK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.76. AMPH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
AMPH
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
MRK
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+27.6%
Fair Value
$39.51
Current Price
$26.68
$12.83 discount
Margin of Safety
-78.2%
Fair Value
$83.04
Current Price
$149.32
$66.28 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
4.7% earnings growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.8x book value
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
4.8% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AMPH
The strongest argument for AMPH centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : AMPH
The primary concerns for AMPH are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 120.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AMPH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.
AMPH is growing revenue faster at 5.4% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - SPECIALTY & GENERIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AMPH scores higher overall (59/100 vs 36/100). 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.
Amphastar P
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - SPECIALTY & GENERIC · USA
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells generic and proprietary injectable, inhalation, and intranasal products in the United States, China, and France. The company is headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
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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