Compare Danaher Corporation (DHR) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Danaher Corporation vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Danaher Corporation trades at $206.42 (market cap $145.83B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $132.77 (market cap $321.77B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 2.2× Danaher Corporation's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DHR | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $145.83B | $321.77B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $242.05 | $131.84 |
52-Week Low | $161.91 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $168.04B | $368.53B |
Dividend Yield | 0.77% | 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
Danaher (DHR) trades at $209.26, up 2.2% today, with strong technical momentum as the price sits above key support levels. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q3 2026 EPS expected at $1.92. Fundamentals show robust profitability with a 58.51% gross margin and 15.95% net income margin, though revenue growth has been modest. Analyst sentiment is overwhelmingly positive with 69% buy ratings and a $202.33 consensus price target. Recent news highlights the acquisition of Masimo and new product launches in its biotechnology segment.
The outlook for DHR remains favorable driven by earnings beats and strategic acquisitions, but investors face risks from elevated valuation multiples and potential macroeconomic headwinds. The stock's current technical overbought condition suggests near-term consolidation may occur, yet long-term growth prospects in life sciences support a bullish stance. Key watch points include Q3 2026 earnings results and integration progress of recent acquisitions.
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 Danaher Corporation
In 1984, Danaher's founders transformed a real estate organization into an industrial-focused manufacturing company. Through a series of mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, including the Fortive separation in 2016, Danaher now focuses primarily on manufacturing scientific instruments and consumables in three segments: life sciences, diagnostics, and environmental and applied solutions. In late 2019, Danaher separated from its dental business through an initial public offering process, and in early 2020, it acquired GE's Biopharma business, now called Cytiva, which added to its life sciences segment.
Read more on DHR →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 →
