WallStSmart

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 104% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $31.79B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 11.0%. APO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.21. APO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

APO

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 2.8
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.07

MRK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APOSignificantly Overvalued (-237.0%)

Margin of Safety

-237.0%

Fair Value

$37.67

Current Price

$109.80

$72.13 premium

UndervaluedFair: $37.67Overvalued
MRKSignificantly Overvalued (-141.2%)

Margin of Safety

-141.2%

Fair Value

$49.50

Current Price

$119.37

$69.87 premium

UndervaluedFair: $49.50Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APO4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
87.7%10/10

Revenue surging 87.7% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$64.57B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.82B8/10

Generating 2.8B in free cash flow

MRK6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$287.71B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
36.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
32.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.8%

Profit MarginProfitability
28.1%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.82B8/10

Generating 1.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

APO3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-57.3%2/10

Earnings declined 57.3%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.072/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MRK3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.492/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.3%2/10

Earnings declined 19.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APO

The strongest argument for APO centers on Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 87.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.21 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : APO

The primary concerns for APO are Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : MRK

The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APO profiles as a growth stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

APO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.64 — expect wider price swings.

APO is growing revenue faster at 87.7% — sustainability is the question.

APO generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

APO scores higher overall (63/100 vs 59/100) and 87.7% revenue growth. Both earn "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.

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO) is a leading global alternative investment firm, specializing in private equity, credit, and real estate across a wide array of sectors such as healthcare, financial services, and technology. The firm employs a disciplined investment strategy that leverages deep industry expertise and operational insight to enhance portfolio value. With a strong commitment to long-term growth, Apollo seeks to identify and capitalize on strategic investment opportunities in both developed and emerging markets. As a publicly traded entity, it aims to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns to investors through its substantial capital resources and strategic initiatives.

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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