LyondellBasell Industries NV vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? LyondellBasell Industries NV trades at $60.39 (market cap $19.60B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $124.78 (market cap $307.25B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 15.7× LyondellBasell Industries NV's market cap, and LyondellBasell Industries NV pays the higher dividend (6.78%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| LYB | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $19.60B | $307.25B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Health |
52-Week High | $82.38 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $42.28 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $31.22B | $350.66B |
Dividend Yield | 6.78% | 2.73% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
LYB trades at $60.78, up 2.69% today, with a bullish technical signal driven by moving averages. The stock shows mixed fundamentals: revenue declined to $30.15B in 2025 with a net loss of $745M, yet valuation ratios like P/S of 0.64 appear attractive. Recent news highlights partnerships for sustainable packaging, while cash flow remains positive. Analysts are divided with a consensus price target of $73.11, suggesting 20% upside potential from current levels.
Outlook: LYB offers value appeal with low P/S and dividend yield, but faces profitability challenges and industry headwinds. Risks include volatile earnings and high debt. The stock is suitable for value investors tolerant of cyclical downturns, with catalysts from restructuring and sustainability initiatives.
Merck (MRK) trades at $127.5, down slightly (-0.14%) on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $137.30. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 loss narrower than expected, and maintains robust profitability with a net income margin of 13.59%. Recent news highlights Merck's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline, reflecting strategic growth initiatives.
The outlook for MRK is positive, supported by earnings momentum, strategic acquisitions, and strong analyst buy ratings (67.57%). Key risks include rising debt levels, with debt-to-asset ratio increasing to 36.06% in 2025, and competitive pressures in the pharmaceutical sector. The stock offers a dividend yield with a recent $0.85 per share payment, appealing for income-focused investors amid steady revenue growth.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
LyondellBasell Industries NV is a petrochemical producer with operations in the U.S. and Europe. It operates in six segments: Olefins and Polyolefins-Americas (O&P-Americas), Olefins and Polyolefins-Europe, Asia, International (O&P-EAI), Intermediates and Derivatives (I&D), Advanced Polymer Solutions (APS), Refining and Technology. The company is a major producer of polyethylene, the world's largest producer of polypropylene, and the second- largest producer of propylene oxide. Its chemicals are used in various consumer and industrial end products. Substantially, all of the company's revenue is derived from product sales.
Read more on LYB →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 →