Compare Marathon Petroleum Corp (MPC) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Marathon Petroleum Corp vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? Marathon Petroleum Corp trades at $400.63 (market cap $111.70B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $148.1 (market cap $366.28B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 3.3× Marathon Petroleum Corp's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.29%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MPC | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $111.70B | $366.28B |
Sector | Energy | Health |
52-Week High | $399.44 | $156.43 |
52-Week Low | $162.63 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $138.23B | $413.04B |
Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.29% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Marathon Petroleum (MPC) trades at $397.77, up 2.28% today and near its 52-week high, with a bullish technical outlook from moving averages and strong momentum. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with Q2 2026 EPS of $17.73 surpassing the $14.27 forecast. Valuation ratios appear attractive with a P/E of 13.79 and P/S of 0.77, while profitability metrics like a 47.9% ROE highlight efficient capital use. Recent news emphasizes refinery investments and benefits from geopolitical energy risks.
The outlook for MPC is positive, driven by robust earnings performance, favorable refining margins, and strong analyst support with 26 buy ratings. Key opportunities include high-return projects and cash flow growth, with 2026 net income projected at $8.6B. Risks involve exposure to oil price volatility, cyclical demand, and rising debt-to-asset ratios, which increased to 42.59% in 2025. Investors should weigh solid fundamentals against sector-specific headwinds.
Merck (MRK) trades at $148.49, down 1.23% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $156.71. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q3 2026 results pending, and maintains a robust gross profit margin of 72.97%. Recent news highlights Merck's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline, reflecting strategic growth initiatives amid a competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
The outlook for MRK is positive, driven by earnings momentum and strategic acquisitions, but risks include high valuation multiples like a P/E of 118.77 and regulatory pressures. Investors should weigh the company's solid cash flow and analyst support against potential market volatility and integration challenges from recent M&A activity.
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 Marathon Petroleum Corp
Marathon Petroleum is an independent refiner with 13 refineries in the midcontinent, West Coast, and Gulf Coast of the United States with total throughput capacity of 2.9 million barrels per day. Its Dickinson, ND, facility produces 184 million gallons a year of renewable diesel. Its Martinez, CA, facility will have the ability to produce 730 million gallons a year of renewable diesel once converted. The firm also owns and operates midstream assets primarily through its listed MLP, MPLX.
Read more on MPC →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 →
