Compare Diageo plc (DEO) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Diageo plc vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Diageo plc trades at $94.15 (market cap $53.75B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $130.11 (market cap $323.00B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 6× Diageo plc's market cap, and Diageo plc pays the higher dividend (3.42%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DEO | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $53.75B | $323.00B |
Sector | Technology | Health |
52-Week High | $115.33 | $131.84 |
52-Week Low | $72.47 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $73.25B | $369.77B |
Dividend Yield | 3.42% | 2.6% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Diageo (DEO) trades at $96.35, up 3.83% with bullish technical signals from moving averages. The company reported mixed FY2026 results with a 2% organic sales decline but 2% operating profit growth, supported by cost savings. Analyst consensus leans positive with 48.65% buy ratings, though valuation metrics appear elevated with a P/E of 31.16. Recent news highlights a $1 billion cost-cutting plan and strategic focus on spirits and Guinness to drive turnaround.
The outlook is cautiously optimistic with management's restructuring program expected to improve margins and cash flow. Key risks include ongoing weakness in North American markets and competitive pressures. Wall Street sees potential upside with recent target increases, but investors should monitor execution of the turnaround plan amid challenging market conditions.
Merck (MRK) trades at $130.90, up 1.81% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook and strong institutional support. Recent earnings beats in Q4 2025 and Q1-Q2 2026, alongside a 28.07% net income margin in 2025, highlight operational strength. The acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals aims to bolster its oncology pipeline, though a high P/E of 104.74 signals premium valuation. Cash flow remains positive at $1.37B in 2025, but investing outflows have increased.
The stock offers growth potential from pipeline expansion and analyst consensus targeting $140.36, but risks include elevated debt-to-asset ratios (36.06% in 2025) and competitive pressures. Investors should weigh robust profitability against valuation concerns and macroeconomic headwinds affecting the pharma 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 Diageo plc
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and Guinness. It operates a vast portfolio of spirits and beers across more than 180 countries.
Read more on DEO →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 →
