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ASND vs MRK

ASND
Ascendis Pharma A/S
BULLISH
Price
$225.98
Market Cap
$13.87B
Sector
Healthcare
AI Confidence
85%
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
NEUTRAL
Price
$121.25
Market Cap
$299.79B
Sector
Healthcare
AI Confidence
90%

Valuation

P/E Ratio
ASND
--
MRK
16.66
Forward P/E
ASND
17.77
MRK
12.42
P/B Ratio
ASND
-73.94
MRK
5.7
P/S Ratio
ASND
19.27
MRK
4.61
EV/EBITDA
ASND
-107.5
MRK
11.46

Profitability

Gross Margin
ASND
86.82%
MRK
77.21%
Operating Margin
ASND
0.97%
MRK
32.77%
Profit Margin
ASND
-31.67%
MRK
28.08%
ROE
ASND
--
MRK
36.88%
ROA
ASND
-6.86%
MRK
12.04%

Growth

Revenue Growth
ASND
42.3%
MRK
5.0%
Earnings Growth
ASND
--
MRK
-19.3%

Financial Health

Debt/Equity
ASND
--
MRK
0.96
Current Ratio
ASND
1.04
MRK
1.54
Quick Ratio
ASND
0.72
MRK
0.96

Dividends

Dividend Yield
ASND
--
MRK
2.83%
Payout Ratio
ASND
0.0%
MRK
45.05%

AI Verdict

ASND BULLISH

ASND's Piotroski F-Score of 2/9 indicates weak financial health, with significant red flags in profitability and cash flow, while the absence of an Altman Z-Score raises concern about long-term solvency. Despite this, the company exhibits strong revenue growth (42.3% YoY) and a robust gross margin (86.82%), supported by a high analyst consensus of 'strong_buy' and a target price of $282.19. The stock trades at a premium valuation (Price/Sales: 19.27, Forward P/E: 17.77), reflecting market confidence in its growth trajectory rather than current profitability. Insider sentiment is neutral (40/100), suggesting cautious optimism, while technical trends remain bearish, indicating short-term weakness.

Strengths
Strong revenue growth of 42.3% YoY, outpacing sector average
Exceptional gross margin of 86.82%, indicating pricing power and efficient production
High analyst consensus with 16 analysts rating 'strong_buy' and a target price of $282.19
Risks
Piotroski F-Score of 2/9 signals severe financial distress, with negative ROA, low operating margin, and lack of profitability
Negative profit margin (-31.67%) and negative ROE indicate ongoing losses despite revenue growth
Absence of key financial metrics (Debt/Equity, Cash, FCF) limits assessment of balance sheet strength
MRK NEUTRAL

MRK shows neutral fundamentals based on deterministic rules. Financial strength is weak (F-Score 3/9). Mixed signals with both opportunities and risks present.

Strengths
Strong profitability (28.1% margin)
Strong ROE of 36.9%
Risks
Premium vs Graham Number ($59.01)
Weak financial trend (Piotroski F-Score: 3/9)

Compare Another Pair

ASND vs MRK: Head-to-Head Comparison

This page compares Ascendis Pharma A/S (ASND) and Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) across key fundamental metrics including valuation ratios, profitability margins, growth rates, financial health indicators, and dividend metrics. Each metric highlights the better-performing stock so you can quickly identify relative strengths and weaknesses.

Our AI engine independently analyzes each company's financials, competitive position, and market conditions to produce a verdict (Bullish, Neutral, or Bearish) along with key strengths and risks. Use this comparison alongside your own research to make informed investment decisions.

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