Compare AstraZeneca plc (AZN) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
AstraZeneca plc vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? AstraZeneca plc trades at $168.14 (market cap $253.13B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $123.59 (market cap $298.31B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.82%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AZN | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $253.13B | $298.31B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $209.48 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $137.44 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $279.37B | $341.72B |
Dividend Yield | 1.92% | 2.82% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
AstraZeneca (AZN) trades at $169.47, down 1.25% amid recent volatility following a Phase III trial failure for Wainua. The stock shows bearish technical signals with key support at $168 and resistance at $170. Fundamentally, the company reported strong 2025 results with revenue of $58.74B and net income of $10.23B, though a recent $1.5B licensing deal for a lung cancer drug highlights ongoing pipeline investments. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 47.5% buy ratings but recent downgrades from firms like HSBC citing trial setbacks.
The outlook balances robust financials against pipeline execution risks. Revenue growth and high margins support valuation, but the Wainua failure raises concerns about future catalysts. Investors should weigh the company's strong cash flow and market position against clinical trial volatility and potential legal investigations. Near-term price action may hinge on Q2 2026 earnings due July 27, 2026.
Merck (MRK) trades at $123.6, down 0.35% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong institutional interest. Recent earnings have consistently beaten estimates, including Q1 2026, and the company is acquiring Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline. The stock shows robust profitability with a net income margin of 28.07% in 2025 and a consensus analyst price target of $137.30, indicating potential upside.
The outlook remains positive due to earnings momentum and strategic acquisitions, though risks include rising debt levels and competitive pressures. Investors should weigh the strong analyst buy consensus against execution risks in integrating new assets and macroeconomic uncertainties affecting the pharmaceutical sector.
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 AstraZeneca plc
A merger between Astra of Sweden and Zeneca Group of the United Kingdom formed AstraZeneca in 1999. The firm sells branded drugs across several major therapeutic classes, including gastrointestinal, diabetes, cardiovascular, respiratory, cancer, and immunology. The majority of sales come from international markets with the United States representing close to one third of its sales.
Read more on AZN →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 →
