Compare Alcon AG (ALC) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance
Price movement over the last 24 hours
Key statistics
Key statistics
Alcon AG vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Alcon AG trades at $66.64 (market cap $32.69B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $126.1 (market cap $318.26B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 9.7× Alcon AG's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.64%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ALC | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $32.69B | $318.26B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $92.22 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $62.02 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $36.28B | $361.68B |
Dividend Yield | 0.54% | 2.64% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ALC trades at $66.87, down 4.01% on the day, amid a mixed technical and fundamental backdrop. The stock exhibits a bullish technical signal overall, with moving averages supporting a positive trend, while oscillators remain neutral. Fundamentally, revenue growth is steady, reaching $10.40 billion in 2025, though net income margin compressed to 7.7%. Recent news highlights product innovation, including a collaboration with RxSight for adjustable PCIOLs, signaling ongoing R&D investment. Analyst sentiment is predominantly positive, with a consensus price target of $86.00 implying significant upside.
The outlook for ALC is cautiously optimistic, driven by new product launches and strategic partnerships that may fuel growth. However, risks include competitive pressures, macroeconomic headwinds, and margin compression. With a P/E of 40.92, the valuation appears rich relative to historical norms, requiring strong earnings delivery to justify current levels. Investors should weigh robust analyst buy ratings against execution risks and market volatility.
Merck (MRK) trades at $125.99, down 0.62% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and strong analyst consensus. The company reported solid earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 loss narrower than expected. Revenue grew to $65.01B in 2025, and net income reached $18.25B. Recent news highlights Merck's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline, reflecting strategic growth initiatives.
The outlook for MRK is positive, driven by earnings momentum, strategic acquisitions, and strong institutional interest. Risks include rising debt levels and competitive pressures in the pharma sector. With a consensus price target of $139.33, representing ~11% upside, the stock offers growth potential but requires monitoring of execution risks and market volatility.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Alcon AG
Alcon, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is the global eyecare leader with a diverse portfolio in ophthalmology including contact lenses, eye drops, surgical equipment, and related surgical products. Novartis purchased Alcon from Nestle in 2010 and, following nine years as a Novartis subsidiary, the company was spun off as a public company in April 2019. The company reports five distinct segments: implantables (16% of revenue), consumables (31%), equipment (9%), contact lenses (27%), and ocular health (17%). The company is geographically diversified, with only about 40% of revenue from the U.S. market, and the firm has a strong presence in the European Union and Japan.
Read more on ALC →About Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent hepatitis B and pediatric diseases as well as HPV and shingles. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the firm's sales are generated in the United States.
Read more on MRK →
