WallStSmart

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Merck & Company Inc generates 110% more annual revenue ($65.77B vs $31.29B). MRK leads profitability with a 13.6% profit margin vs 3.7%. APO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.67. MRK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).

APO

Hold

44

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 2.8
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.07

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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for APO.

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

APO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$73.67B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.678/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.82B8/10

Generating 2.8B in free cash flow

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

APO4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

3.7% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
80.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-9.2%2/10

Revenue declined 9.2%

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 : APO

The strongest argument for APO centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.67 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MRK

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

Bear Case : APO

The primary concerns for APO are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 80.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : MRK

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.52 — expect wider price swings.

MRK is growing revenue faster at 4.9% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor ASSET MANAGEMENT industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MRK scores higher overall (50/100 vs 44/100). Both earn "Hold" 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.

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO) is a premier global alternative investment firm renowned for its strategic focus on private equity, credit, and real estate investments across diverse sectors including healthcare, financial services, and technology. The firm utilizes a rigorous investment approach, drawing on extensive industry expertise and operational insights to optimize portfolio performance and drive long-term growth. With a commitment to identifying lucrative investment opportunities in both developed and emerging markets, Apollo aims to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for its investors, backed by its significant capital resources and innovative strategies.

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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