Apple Inc (AAPL)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
AAPL
Apple Inc
$293.32
+2.05%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $4.22T
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$111.38
-0.82%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $277.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Apple Inc generates 586% more annual revenue ($451.44B vs $65.77B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 13.6%. AAPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.52. AAPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
AAPL
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
MRK
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AAPL.
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 142 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%
Generating 26.7B in free cash flow
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
16.6% revenue growth
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 48.9x book value
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 : AAPL
The strongest argument for AAPL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.2% and operating margin at 32.3%. Revenue growth of 16.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : AAPL
The primary concerns for AAPL are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AAPL profiles as a growth stock while MRK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AAPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.
AAPL is growing revenue faster at 16.6% — sustainability is the question.
AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (26.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AAPL scores higher overall (67/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 27.2% margins and 16.6% 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.
Apple Inc
TECHNOLOGY · CONSUMER ELECTRONICS · USA
Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company that specializes in consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple is the world's largest technology company by revenue (totalling $274.5 billion in 2020) and, since January 2021, the world's most valuable company. As of 2021, Apple is the world's fourth-largest PC vendor by unit sales, and fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer. It is one of the Big Five American information technology companies, along with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.
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 CONSUMER ELECTRONICS Stocks
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