Compare Baxter International Inc (BAX) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Baxter International Inc vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Baxter International Inc trades at $27.04 (market cap $14.27B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $133.65 (market cap $321.77B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 22.5× Baxter International Inc's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| BAX | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $14.27B | $321.77B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $28.35 | $131.84 |
52-Week Low | $15.80 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $21.79B | $368.53B |
Dividend Yield | 0.14% | 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
Baxter International Inc. (BAX) trades at $27.78, up 0.83% today, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat estimates with EPS of $0.56 versus $0.37 expected, and revenue guidance was raised, signaling operational improvement. However, the company posted a net loss of -$957 million in 2025, with negative profit margins and high P/E of 87.85, reflecting valuation concerns amid turnaround efforts.
The stock shows potential from earnings momentum and cost initiatives, but high debt and inconsistent profitability pose risks. Analyst consensus is mixed with a $25.43 price target below current levels, suggesting cautious optimism. Investors should weigh recent beats against structural challenges in the medtech sector.
Merck & Co. (MRK) trades at $133.64, up 2.09% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong institutional buying interest. The company reported solid earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q3 2026 EPS expected at $2.27. Revenue for 2025 reached $65.01B, and net income was $18.25B, though the P/E ratio of 104.34 suggests high valuation expectations. Recent news highlights Merck's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline.
Outlook: MRK's growth is supported by strategic acquisitions and a dominant oncology franchise, but risks include high valuation multiples and competitive pressures. The consensus price target of $140.36 implies modest upside, with 68% of analysts rating it a Buy. Investors should monitor execution on the Terns integration and Q3 earnings results for catalysts.
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 Baxter International Inc
Baxter offers a variety of medical instruments and supplies to caregivers. It enhanced its portfolio of hospital-focused offerings by acquiring Hillrom in late 2021. Legacy Baxter offers tools to help patients with acute and chronic kidney failure. It also sells a variety of injectable therapies for use in care settings, such as IV pumps, and administrative sets.
Read more on BAX →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 →
