Compare Heron Therapeutics Inc (HRTX) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Heron Therapeutics Inc vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Heron Therapeutics Inc trades at $0.47 (market cap $91.46M), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $125.51 (market cap $307.25B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 3359.4× Heron Therapeutics Inc's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays a 2.73% dividend while Heron Therapeutics Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HRTX | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $91.46M | $307.25B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $1.96 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $0.39 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $189.36M | $350.66B |
Dividend Yield | — | 2.73% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
HRTX trades at $0.4804, up 2.06% today, with a bullish technical signal despite mixed earnings. The stock shows a low price-to-sales ratio of 0.51 but negative profitability, with a net income margin of -20.53% in 2026. Recent Q1 2026 earnings missed expectations, though management reaffirmed full-year guidance. Analyst consensus is strongly bullish with 94.7% buy ratings.
Outlook remains speculative given persistent losses and cash burn, but potential upside exists if operational improvements materialize. Key risks include patent litigation outcomes and reliance on revenue growth to achieve profitability. Investors should weigh high analyst optimism against fundamental challenges.
Merck (MRK) trades at $125.25, down 1.76% on the day, with a neutral technical signal. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 results surpassing expectations. Fundamentals show robust profitability with a 73.91% gross margin and 13.59% net margin, though valuations are elevated with a P/E of 35.04. Recent news highlights the company's strategic acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline.
The outlook is supported by a strong analyst consensus with a $137.30 price target and 68% buy ratings, but risks include high valuation multiples, competitive pressures in oncology, and significant capital expenditure for pipeline development as indicated by negative investing cash flow trends.
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 Heron Therapeutics Inc
Heron Therapeutics is a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on improving patient care. It develops best-in-class medicines for pain management and cancer care to address unmet medical needs.
Read more on HRTX →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 →
