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Compare Kroger Co (KR) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance

Kroger CoTrade
Merck & Co., Inc.Trade

Price performance (Past 24H)

Key statistics

Kroger Co vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Kroger Co trades at $57.72 (market cap $35.75B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $125.97 (market cap $307.25B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 8.6× Kroger Co's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.73%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.

KRMRK
Market Cap
$35.75B$307.25B
Sector
Consumer StaplesHealth
52-Week High
$75.60$129.52
52-Week Low
$55.53$77.60
Enterprise Value
$55.85B$350.66B
Dividend Yield
2.47%2.73%

Aura AI Summary

Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice

Kroger Co

Kroger (KR) trades at $57.78, down 1.77% today, with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The stock shows strong fundamentals with a low P/S ratio of 0.25 and improving cash flow, generating $2.08B net cash in 2025. Recent developments include the $1.65B Giant Eagle acquisition expanding Midwest presence and ongoing dividend payments, with analyst consensus pointing to 19% upside to the $68.63 price target.

KR presents a value opportunity with defensive characteristics, trading below analyst targets amid competitive grocery sector pressures. Key risks include margin compression from industry pricing wars and integration challenges from recent acquisitions, while positive catalysts include retail media growth and private label expansion driving long-term shareholder value.

Merck & Co., Inc.

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.

Returns comparison

Trailing returns across standard periods

Top news

Latest headlines on both assets

About Kroger Co

Kroger is the leading American grocer, with 2,726 supermarkets operating under several banners throughout the country as of the end of fiscal 2021. Around 83% of stores have pharmacies, while nearly 60% also sell fuel. The company also operates roughly 120 fine jewelry stores. Kroger features a leading private-label offering and manufactures around 30% of its own-brand units (and more than 40% of its grocery own-label assortment) itself, in 33 food production plants nationwide. Kroger is a top-two grocer in most of its major markets (as of early 2021, according to company data). Virtually all of Kroger's sales come from the United States.

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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