Medtronic PLC vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Medtronic PLC trades at $82.53 (market cap $106.61B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $125.34 (market cap $307.25B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 2.9× Medtronic PLC's market cap, and Medtronic PLC pays the higher dividend (3.46%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MDT | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $106.61B | $307.25B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $105.35 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $73.75 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $125.36B | $350.66B |
Dividend Yield | 3.46% | 2.73% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Medtronic (MDT) trades at $83.54, up 0.41% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported strong revenue growth to $33.54B in 2025 and has beaten EPS estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent acquisitions, including SPR and Scientia Vascular, expand its pain therapy and neurovascular portfolios. Valuation ratios show a P/E of 22.31 and P/S of 2.95, with a consensus price target of $97.50 implying significant upside.
The outlook is positive, supported by robust fundamentals, analyst optimism, and strategic expansions. Key risks include rising debt levels and competitive pressures in medical technology. With no sell ratings from analysts and a dividend yield near a decade high, MDT presents a compelling long-term opportunity for growth and income investors, though macroeconomic and execution risks warrant monitoring.
Merck (MRK) trades at $125.25, down 1.76% on the day, with a neutral technical signal. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 results surpassing expectations. Fundamentals show robust profitability with a 73.91% gross margin and 13.59% net margin, though valuations are elevated with a P/E of 35.04. Recent news highlights the company's strategic acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline.
The outlook is supported by a strong analyst consensus with a $137.30 price target and 68% buy ratings, but risks include high valuation multiples, competitive pressures in oncology, and significant capital expenditure for pipeline development as indicated by negative investing cash flow trends.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
One of the largest medical device companies, Medtronic develops and manufactures therapeutic medical devices for chronic diseases. Its portfolio includes pacemakers, defibrillators, heart valves, stents, insulin pumps, spinal fixation devices, neurovascular products, advanced energy, and surgical tools. The company markets its products to healthcare institutions and physicians in the United States and overseas. Foreign sales account for almost 50% of the company's total sales.
Read more on MDT →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 →