Marriott International Inc vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Marriott International Inc trades at $367.2 (market cap $96.76B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $124.76 (market cap $307.25B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 3.2× Marriott International Inc 's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.73%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MAR | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $96.76B | $307.25B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Health |
52-Week High | $402.54 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $255.35 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $113.71B | $350.66B |
Dividend Yield | 0.8% | 2.73% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Marriott International (MAR) trades at $366.83, up 0.16% on the day, with technical indicators showing a bearish trend near key support at $364. The company reported Q1 2026 EPS of $2.72, beating expectations, and maintains a net income margin of 9.72% amid steady revenue growth. Recent developments include a strategic partnership with Coca-Cola and the launch of an AI-powered travel search tool, Ask Bonvoy, enhancing its digital offerings.
The outlook is mixed: analyst consensus targets $387.92 with 44% buy ratings, but rising debt-to-asset ratios and hotel owner disputes over the Bonvoy program pose risks. Earnings on August 3, 2026, will be critical for confirming growth trajectory amid competitive travel sector pressures.
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
Marriott International Inc. of Maryland is a worldwide operator and franchisor of hotels. The Company franchises lodging facilities and vacation timesharing resorts under various brand names. Marriott also provides services to home and condominium owner associations for projects associated with several of its brands.
Read more on MAR →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 →