Compare Alcon AG (ALC) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Alcon AG vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Alcon AG trades at $72.09 (market cap $36.44B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $131.31 (market cap $321.77B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 8.8× Alcon AG's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ALC | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $36.44B | $321.77B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $90.12 | $131.84 |
52-Week Low | $62.02 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $40.28B | $368.53B |
Dividend Yield | 0.48% | 2.61% |
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 $73.63, up 2.53% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong recent earnings beats. Revenue growth is steady, reaching $10.40B in 2025, though net income margin dipped to 5.92%. Positive news includes raised 2026 profit guidance and new product launches driving investor optimism.
The outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $86.67 implying 17.7% upside, supported by analyst buy ratings. Risks include elevated P/E of 57.52 and potential tariff impacts, but operational cash flow strength and strategic collaborations provide a solid foundation for growth.
Merck (MRK) trades at $130.9, up 1.81% today, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $140.36. Recent earnings beats and a 72.97% gross margin highlight strong profitability, while the acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals aims to bolster its oncology pipeline. The stock faces headwinds from a high P/E ratio of 104.34 and fluctuating cash flows.
The outlook is positive with robust fundamentals and strategic M&A, but valuation concerns and competitive pressures in pharma pose risks. Upside is likely if earnings growth continues, though investors should monitor debt levels and integration of acquisitions.
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 →
