Compare Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Colgate-Palmolive Company vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Colgate-Palmolive Company trades at $90.95 (market cap $72.84B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $121.82 (market cap $298.31B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 4.1× Colgate-Palmolive Company's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.82%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CL | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $72.84B | $298.31B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Health |
52-Week High | $99.14 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $74.98 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $79.48B | $341.72B |
Dividend Yield | 2.33% | 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
Colgate-Palmolive (CL) trades at $93.21, up 1.05% with a bullish technical signal and consistent earnings beats. The stock shows strong profitability with 60.06% gross margins and 822.05% ROE, though valuation metrics appear elevated with a P/E of 36.13. Recent dividend declarations and positive analyst coverage (42% buy rating) support the defensive stock's appeal amid market rotation into stable cash flow names.
Outlook remains positive with a $97 consensus price target representing 4% upside, though premium valuation and North American segment softness present headwinds. The company's 64-year dividend growth streak and global diversification provide stability, while inflation pressures and competitive threats require monitoring for sustained outperformance.
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.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
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Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Colgate-Palmolive Company
Since its founding in 1806, Colgate-Palmolive has grown to become a leading global consumer product company. In addition to its namesake oral care line, the firm manufactures shampoos, shower gels, deodorants, and home care products that are sold in over 200 countries (international sales account for about 70% of its consolidated total, including approximately 45% from emerging regions). It also owns specialty pet food maker Hill's, which sells its products through veterinarians and specialty pet retailers.
Read more on CL →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 →
