Merck & Company Inc (MRK)vsProtagonist Therapeutics Inc (PTGX)
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
PTGX
Protagonist Therapeutics Inc
$98.97
+0.46%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $6.34B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 141179% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $46.02M). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs -282.8%. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
PTGX
Avoid28
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-13.2%
Fair Value
$96.48
Current Price
$109.18
$12.70 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for PTGX.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Earnings expanding 351.3% YoY
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Trading at 10.1x book value
ROE of -20.2% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 95.6%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : PTGX
The strongest argument for PTGX centers on EPS Growth.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : PTGX
The primary concerns for PTGX are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MRK profiles as a value stock while PTGX is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
PTGX carries more volatility with a beta of 2.11 — 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 28/100), 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.
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 →Protagonist Therapeutics Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, discovers and develops peptide-based therapeutic drugs to address unmet medical needs. The company is headquartered in Newark, California.
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