AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
AU
AngloGold Ashanti plc
$89.55
+4.36%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $43.34B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
+2.58%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 557% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $9.89B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 26.7%. AU appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.78. AU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).
AU
Exceptional Buy84
out of 100
Grade: A-
MRK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+53.8%
Fair Value
$242.89
Current Price
$89.55
$153.34 discount
Margin of Safety
-141.2%
Fair Value
$49.50
Current Price
$119.37
$69.87 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 47.2%
Revenue surging 75.3% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 63.1% YoY
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
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
No major concerns identified
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AU
The strongest argument for AU centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 47.2%. Revenue growth of 75.3% 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 : AU
No major red flags identified for AU, but monitor valuation.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AU profiles as a growth stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AU carries more volatility with a beta of 0.55 — expect wider price swings.
AU is growing revenue faster at 75.3% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AU scores higher overall (84/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 26.7% margins and 75.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.
AngloGold Ashanti plc
BASIC MATERIALS · GOLD · USA
AngloGold Ashanti Limited is a gold mining company. The company is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other GOLD Stocks
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