WallStSmart

Applovin Corp (APP)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 967% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $6.16B). APP leads profitability with a 64.3% profit margin vs 13.6%. APP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.33. APP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

APP

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 10.0Profit: 10.0Value: 4.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.74

MRK

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 8.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 2/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APPSignificantly Overvalued (-56.9%)

Margin of Safety

-56.9%

Fair Value

$242.94

Current Price

$468.55

$225.61 premium

UndervaluedFair: $242.94Overvalued
MRKOvervalued (-14.9%)

Margin of Safety

-14.9%

Fair Value

$97.76

Current Price

$111.38

$13.62 premium

UndervaluedFair: $97.76Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APP6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
266.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 266 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
64.3%10/10

Keeps 64 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
78.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 78.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
59.0%10/10

Revenue surging 59.0% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
113.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 113.0% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.7410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

MRK3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$277.36B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.93B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

APP3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.663/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
43.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
74.3x2/10

Trading at 74.3x book value

MRK4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
5.282/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APP

The strongest argument for APP centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 64.3% and operating margin at 78.1%. Revenue growth of 59.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MRK

The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : APP

The primary concerns for APP are Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 43.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : MRK

The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

APP carries more volatility with a beta of 2.37 — expect wider price swings.

APP is growing revenue faster at 59.0% — sustainability is the question.

MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

APP scores higher overall (77/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 64.3% margins and 59.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Applovin Corp

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA

AppLovin Corporation is committed to creating a software-based platform for mobile application developers to improve the marketing and monetization of their applications globally. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

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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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