Merck & Co., Inc. vs Moderna, Inc. — how do they compare? Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $148.11 (market cap $366.28B), while Moderna, Inc. trades at $136.43 (market cap $56.02B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 6.5× Moderna, Inc.'s market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays a 2.29% dividend while Moderna, Inc. pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MRK | MRNA | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $366.28B | $56.02B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $156.43 | $174.38 |
52-Week Low | $77.60 | $22.36 |
Enterprise Value | $413.04B | $52.17B |
Dividend Yield | 2.29% | — |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
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.
Moderna (MRNA) trades at $140.33, down 3.59% on the day, but maintains a bullish technical signal with support at $138 and resistance at $145. Recent positive phase 3 cancer vaccine trial results have driven significant stock appreciation, though financials show declining revenue and negative net income margins. The company has beaten EPS estimates for the last three quarters, with Q3 2026 results pending.
The outlook is mixed; promising clinical developments in oncology offer long-term growth potential, but high valuation multiples and persistent losses pose risks. Analyst consensus is cautious with a $90.08 price target below the current price, reflecting concerns over profitability and competitive pressures in the mRNA therapeutics space.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Moderna, Inc. operates as a clinical stage biotechnology company. The Company focuses on the discovery and development of messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines. Moderna develops mRNA medicines for infectious, immuno-oncology, and cardiovascular diseases.
Read more on MRNA →