Compare Lam Research Corporation (LRCX) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Lam Research Corporation vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Lam Research Corporation trades at $318.76 (market cap $383.63B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $125.31 (market cap $307.25B). The key difference: Lam Research Corporation is the larger of the two by market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.73%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| LRCX | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $383.63B | $307.25B |
Sector | Technology | Health |
52-Week High | $433.33 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $94.84 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $382.61B | $350.66B |
Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 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
Lam Research (LRCX) trades at $306.96, down 2.02% amid semiconductor sector weakness. The stock shows strong fundamentals with Q1 2026 EPS beating estimates at $1.47 versus $1.36 expected, continuing a pattern of earnings outperformance. Valuation metrics remain elevated with P/E at 59.22 and P/S at 18.3, reflecting premium pricing for AI-driven growth prospects. Technical indicators show bearish momentum with price testing key support at $306.
Outlook remains positive based on analyst consensus with $393 price target (78% buy ratings), though near-term risks include semiconductor cycle volatility and rich valuations. The company's positioning in AI chip manufacturing equipment and strong cash flow generation ($6.17B operating cash flow in 2025) supports long-term growth potential despite sector headwinds.
MRK trades at $125.85, down 1.29% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $137.30 suggesting 9% upside. Recent earnings have consistently beaten expectations, with Q1 2026 loss narrower than forecast. The company maintains strong profitability with a 73.91% gross margin and 18.97% ROE, while actively expanding its pipeline through acquisitions like Terns Pharmaceuticals.
Outlook remains positive driven by earnings beats and strategic M&A, but risks include rising debt levels and patent expirations. The stock offers a dividend yield with upcoming payment, supported by institutional accumulation. Valuation multiples are elevated, requiring sustained growth to justify current levels amid competitive and regulatory pressures.
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 Lam Research Corporation
Lam Research manufactures equipment used to fabricate semiconductors. The firm is focused on the etching, deposition, and clean markets, which are key steps in the semiconductor manufacturing process, especially for 3D NAND flash storage, advanced DRAM, and leading-edge logic/foundry chipmakers. Lam's flagship Kiyo, Vector, and Sabre products are sold in all major geographies to key customers such as Samsung Electronics, Micron, Intel, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing.
Read more on LRCX →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 →
