Harvard Bioscience Inc (HBIO)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
HBIO
Harvard Bioscience Inc
$6.20
-4.40%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $27.94M
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$120.79
-2.77%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $285.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 76794% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $85.53M). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs -11.4%. HBIO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.31. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).
HBIO
Avoid35
out of 100
Grade: F
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HBIO.
Margin of Safety
-49.3%
Fair Value
$80.88
Current Price
$120.79
$39.91 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -147.1% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 4.7%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HBIO
The strongest argument for HBIO centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.31 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : HBIO
The primary concerns for HBIO are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 4.39 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HBIO profiles as a turnaround stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
HBIO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.51 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 4.9% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MRK scores higher overall (50/100 vs 35/100). Both earn "Hold" 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.
Harvard Bioscience Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Harvard Bioscience, Inc. develops, manufactures, and sells technologies, products, and services that enable fundamental research, discovery, and preclinical testing for drug development. The company is headquartered in Holliston, Massachusetts.
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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