AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
AU
AngloGold Ashanti plc
$107.03
+6.78%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $50.67B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$111.38
-0.82%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $277.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 565% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $9.89B). AU leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 13.6%. AU appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.78. AU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).
AU
Exceptional Buy82
out of 100
Grade: A-
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AU.
Margin of Safety
-14.9%
Fair Value
$97.76
Current Price
$111.38
$13.62 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 48.0%
Revenue surging 75.3% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 63.1% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
No major concerns identified
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.9% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 48.0%. Revenue growth of 75.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : AU
No major red flags identified for AU, but monitor valuation.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
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 0.62 — expect wider price swings.
AU is growing revenue faster at 75.3% — sustainability is the question.
MRK generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AU scores higher overall (82/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 26.7% margins and 75.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.
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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