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 $198.81 (market cap $140.88B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $124.3 (market cap $298.31B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 2.1× Danaher Corporation's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.82%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DHR | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $140.88B | $298.31B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $242.05 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $161.91 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $153.66B | $341.72B |
Dividend Yield | 0.8% | 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
Danaher (DHR) trades at $200.16, up 0.56% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong analyst support. The company reported Q1 2026 EPS of $2.06, beating estimates of $1.94, marking the third consecutive quarterly beat. Revenue for 2025 was $24.57 billion with a net income margin of 14.89%, though margins have compressed from prior years. Recent news includes the acquisition of Masimo and a $172.5 million legal settlement finalized in April 2026.
The outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $211.33, implying ~5.6% upside, supported by 69% buy ratings. Key risks include margin pressure, integration challenges from acquisitions, and macroeconomic sensitivity. The stock offers a dividend yield from its $0.40 quarterly payout, with solid cash flow generation offsetting debt levels.
Merck (MRK) trades at $124.03, up 0.4% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $137.30. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of -$1.28 beating expectations, 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 initiatives amid a competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
The outlook for MRK is positive, driven by earnings momentum and strategic acquisitions, but risks include rising debt levels and patent expirations. Institutional buying activity supports bullish sentiment, though investors should monitor execution risks and macroeconomic pressures affecting the healthcare 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 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 →
