American Tower Corp (AMT)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
AMT
American Tower Corp
$182.71
+2.54%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $85.12B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$109.18
-1.60%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $274.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 501% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $10.82B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 26.8%. AMT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.97. AMT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
AMT
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+17.6%
Fair Value
$219.10
Current Price
$182.71
$36.39 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
Strong operational efficiency at 45.3%
Earnings expanding 76.9% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
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
Moderate valuation
Trading at 24.2x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AMT
The strongest argument for AMT centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.8% and operating margin at 45.3%.
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 : AMT
The primary concerns for AMT are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AMT profiles as a mature stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AMT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.
AMT is growing revenue faster at 6.8% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AMT scores higher overall (72/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 26.8% margins. Both earn "Strong 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.
American Tower Corp
REAL ESTATE · REIT - SPECIALTY · USA
American Tower Corporation (also referred to as American Tower or ATC) is an American real estate investment trust and an owner and operator of wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure in several countries worldwide and is headquartered in Boston, 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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