KKR & Co Inc vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? KKR & Co Inc trades at $96.97 (market cap $87.07B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $125.97 (market cap $307.25B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 3.5× KKR & Co Inc's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.73%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| KKR | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $87.07B | $307.25B |
Sector | Financials | Health |
52-Week High | $152.16 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $83.88 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $12.59B | $350.66B |
Dividend Yield | 0.77% | 2.73% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
KKR trades at $97.11, down 3.79% for the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong analyst backing. Recent earnings beat expectations in Q1 2026, and the firm is expanding through strategic ventures like a $1.3 billion renewable energy platform in South Korea and a $4.2 billion acquisition of EDF's North American operations. Financials show robust revenue of $19.21 billion in 2025 and a net income margin of 14.51%, though cash flow from operations has been volatile.
The outlook for KKR is positive, supported by a consensus price target of $120.75 and 89% buy ratings. Key opportunities include growth in renewable energy and private credit, while risks involve high leverage with long-term debt of $49.91 billion and dependence on capital market conditions. Investors should monitor the Q2 2026 earnings release on July 30, 2026, for further direction.
Merck (MRK) trades at $126.27, down 0.96% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and strong fundamental performance. The company reported robust 2025 results with $65.01B revenue and $18.25B net income, beating EPS estimates in recent quarters. Recent news highlights Merck's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline, while analyst consensus remains bullish with a $137.30 price target.
Outlook is positive driven by earnings momentum and strategic M&A, but risks include patent expirations and competitive pressures. The stock offers a dividend yield with upcoming payment, supporting income investors. Valuation multiples are elevated, requiring sustained growth to justify current levels amid macroeconomic uncertainties.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
KKR is one of the world's largest alternative asset managers, with $490.7 billion in total assets under management, including $384.5 billion in fee-earning AUM, at the end of June 2022. The company has two core segments: asset management (which includes private markets--private equity, credit, infrastructure, energy and real estate--and public markets--primarily credit and hedge/investment fund platforms) and insurance (following the February 2021 purchase of a 61.5% economic stake in Global Atlantic Financial Group, which is engaged in retirement/annuity and life insurance lines as well as reinsurance). On the asset management side, private markets account for 50% of fee-earning AUM and 70% of base management fees, while public markets account for 50% and 30%, respectively.
Read more on KKR →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 →