AngloGold Ashanti Limited vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? AngloGold Ashanti Limited trades at $78.57 (market cap $40.62B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $123.25 (market cap $298.31B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 7.3× AngloGold Ashanti Limited's market cap, and AngloGold Ashanti Limited pays the higher dividend (5.73%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AU | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $40.62B | $298.31B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Health |
52-Week High | $128.26 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $46.25 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $39.75B | $341.72B |
Dividend Yield | 5.73% | 2.82% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
AngloGold Ashanti (AU) trades at $79.76, down 2.85% amid bearish technical signals. The stock shows strong fundamentals with 2025 revenue growth to $9.89B and net income of $2.64B, supported by a 31.11% net margin. Recent Q1 2026 earnings beat expectations at $2.52 EPS versus $2.27 forecast. Analyst consensus remains positive with a $118.60 price target, though technical indicators show selling pressure with support at $77-79 levels.
The outlook remains favorable given robust cash flow growth and geographic diversification, but faces risks from gold price volatility and recent technical weakness. With 64% analyst buy ratings and significant upside to price targets, the stock presents value opportunity for patient investors despite near-term bearish momentum.
Merck (MRK) trades at $124.03, up 0.4% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong analyst support. The company reported solid earnings beats in recent quarters, including Q1 2026's better-than-expected loss, and maintains robust profitability with a net income margin of 13.59%. Recent news highlights Merck's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline, reflecting strategic growth efforts amid competitive pressures.
The outlook for MRK is positive, driven by earnings momentum and strategic acquisitions, but risks include patent expirations and rising debt. With a consensus price target of $137.30 offering ~11% upside, the stock presents a compelling opportunity for growth-oriented investors, though macroeconomic and regulatory headwinds warrant caution.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Anglogold Ashanti Ltd is one of the largest gold miners. The company also produces silver and sulphuric acid as by-products. Its operating divisions are Africa, Australia, and the Americas. The firm generates a majority of its revenue from Africa which includes Ghana, Guinea, Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Tanzania.
Read more on AU →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 →