Compare Dow Inc (DOW) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Dow Inc vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Dow Inc trades at $29.39 (market cap $21.85B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $123.88 (market cap $298.31B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 13.7× Dow Inc's market cap, and Dow Inc pays the higher dividend (4.62%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DOW | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $21.85B | $298.31B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Health |
52-Week High | $41.87 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $20.65 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $37.62B | $341.72B |
Dividend Yield | 4.62% | 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
DOW trades at $30.37, up 4.62% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages despite negative profitability metrics. The company reported a net loss of $2.62 billion for 2025, though it has beaten EPS estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent news highlights Dow's inclusion in discussions about materials stocks benefiting from oil price spikes, while cash flow trends show improved net cash generation in 2025.
The outlook is mixed: analyst consensus suggests 19% upside to the $36.11 price target, but high P/E of 75.93 and negative margins pose valuation risks. Key opportunities include dividend payments and earnings beats, while risks involve sustained profitability challenges and rising debt-to-asset ratios nearing 30%.
Merck (MRK) trades at $123.485, down 0.44% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong institutional accumulation. The company reported solid earnings beats in recent quarters despite a Q1 2026 loss, maintains robust profitability with a 73.91% gross margin and 13.59% net margin, and is actively expanding its oncology pipeline through acquisitions like Terns Pharmaceuticals. Cash flow from operations remains healthy at $16.47B for 2025, supporting strategic investments and shareholder returns.
Outlook remains positive with a $137.30 consensus price target representing 11% upside, supported by 67.57% analyst buy ratings. Key opportunities include pipeline expansion via M&A and sustained profitability, while risks involve integration of acquisitions, patent pressures, and competitive threats in oncology. The stock's valuation at 34.02 P/E appears elevated but justified by growth prospects and market position.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
About Dow Inc
Dow Inc is a diversified chemical manufacturing company. It combining science and technology to develop innovative solutions that are essential to human progress. Dow's portfolio is comprised of six global business units, organized into three operating segments: Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure, and Performance Materials & Coatings.
Read more on DOW →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 →
