Compare British American Tobacco PLC (BTI) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
British American Tobacco PLC vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? British American Tobacco PLC trades at $55.91 (market cap $122.36B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $134.02 (market cap $321.77B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 2.6× British American Tobacco PLC's market cap, and British American Tobacco PLC pays the higher dividend (5.88%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| BTI | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $122.36B | $321.77B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Health |
52-Week High | $66.70 | $131.84 |
52-Week Low | $50.39 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $166.31B | $368.53B |
Dividend Yield | 5.88% | 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
BTI trades at $55.93, down 1.96% today, with a bearish technical signal and mixed earnings history. The company maintains strong profitability with an 83.56% gross margin and 24.99% net income margin, supported by a P/E of 14.48. Recent news highlights strategic tech partnerships and workforce restructuring to drive efficiency.
The outlook is cautious due to declining cash flow and regulatory risks, but the 5%+ dividend yield and analyst buy consensus (66.7%) offer value. Upside depends on successful transition to next-generation products, while core combustible declines and debt levels pose challenges.
MRK trades at $133.6, up 2.06% today, near its 52-week high. The stock shows a bullish technical trend with strong moving average support. Recent earnings have consistently beaten estimates, with Q3 2026 expected at $2.27 EPS. The company's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals aims to bolster its oncology pipeline, while revenue growth remains steady at $65.01B in 2025.
MRK presents a positive outlook with a consensus price target of $140.36, indicating potential upside. Strong institutional buying and a 67.57% buy rating from analysts support bullish sentiment. Risks include rising debt-to-asset ratios and competitive pressures in the pharma sector. The dividend yield of $0.85 per half-year adds income appeal for long-term investors.
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 British American Tobacco PLC
Following the acquisition of Reynolds American, British American Tobacco is neck-and-neck with Philip Morris International to be the largest listed global tobacco company--slightly larger than PMI on net revenue, but slightly smaller on total tobacco volume. British American's Global Drive Brands are Dunhill, Kent, Pall Mall, Lucky Strike, and Rothmans, and it also owns Newport and Camel in the U.S. The firm also sells vapor e-cigarettes, including its Vype brand, heated tobacco, with Glo, as well as roll- your-own and smokeless tobacco products. The company holds 31% of ITC Limited, the leading Indian cigarette-maker.
Read more on BTI →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 →
