Carnival Corp vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Carnival Corp trades at $26.71 (market cap $36.30B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $123.46 (market cap $298.31B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 8.2× Carnival Corp's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.82%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CCL | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $36.30B | $298.31B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Health |
52-Week High | $33.99 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $23.89 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $60.22B | $341.72B |
Dividend Yield | 1.7% | 2.82% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Carnival Corporation (CCL) trades at $26.61, down 0.82% on the day, amid a bearish technical signal. The company demonstrates strong fundamental improvement with revenue growth to $26.62 billion in 2025 and net income of $2.76 billion, supported by three consecutive quarterly EPS beats. Positive analyst sentiment is evident with a $35.00 consensus price target and 59.57% buy ratings, while recent news highlights fleet expansion and strong bookings.
The outlook remains positive due to robust demand and cost controls, but risks include geopolitical tensions impacting fuel costs and softer European demand. The stock's current valuation metrics, such as a P/E of 11.99, suggest potential upside if execution continues, though investors must weigh debt levels and macroeconomic headwinds.
Merck (MRK) trades at $123.43, down 0.48% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong institutional buying. Recent earnings beat expectations in three of the last four quarters, with Q2 2026 results pending. The company's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals for approximately $6.7 billion aims to bolster its oncology pipeline, while solid profitability metrics include a net income margin of 13.59% and ROE of 18.97% for 2025.
The outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $137.30, implying 11% upside. Key risks include rising debt levels and competitive pressures in the pharmaceutical sector. Analysts are predominantly bullish, with 68% recommending Buy, supported by robust cash flow and strategic M&A activity to drive long-term growth.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Carnival is the largest global cruise company, with 91 ships in its fleet in October 2022, with eight of its nine brands set to be fully redeployed by the end of 2022. Its portfolio of brands includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn in North America.
Read more on CCL →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 →