WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 1086% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $5.48B). APP leads profitability with a 60.8% profit margin vs 28.1%. APP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.22. APP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

APP

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 10.0Profit: 8.5Value: 8.7Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.74

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

APPUndervalued (+10.4%)

Margin of Safety

+10.4%

Fair Value

$470.34

Current Price

$435.91

$34.43 discount

UndervaluedFair: $470.34Overvalued
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

APP6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Profit MarginProfitability
60.8%10/10

Keeps 61 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
76.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 76.9%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
65.9%10/10

Revenue surging 65.9% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
84.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 84.7% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.7410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$155.10B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

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

APP4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
2.1%3/10

ROE of 2.1% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.663/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
45.7x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
69.1x2/10

Trading at 69.1x book value

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 : APP

The strongest argument for APP centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 60.8% and operating margin at 76.9%. Revenue growth of 65.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : APP

The primary concerns for APP are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.7x 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 Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

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 2.50 — expect wider price swings.

APP is growing revenue faster at 65.9% — sustainability is the question.

MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

APP scores higher overall (77/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 60.8% margins and 65.9% revenue growth. 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.

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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