Merck & Co., Inc. vs Nike Inc — how do they compare? Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $126.14 (market cap $307.25B), while Nike Inc trades at $42.96 (market cap $64.49B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 4.8× Nike Inc's market cap, and Nike Inc pays the higher dividend (3.77%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MRK | NKE | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $307.25B | $64.49B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $129.52 | $79.24 |
52-Week Low | $77.60 | $40.75 |
Enterprise Value | $350.66B | $66.49B |
Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 3.77% |
Volume | — | 8,887,180 |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Merck (MRK) trades at $126.27, down 0.96% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and strong fundamental performance. The company reported robust 2025 results with $65.01B revenue and $18.25B net income, beating EPS estimates in recent quarters. Recent news highlights Merck's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline, while analyst consensus remains bullish with a $137.30 price target.
Outlook is positive driven by earnings momentum and strategic M&A, but risks include patent expirations and competitive pressures. The stock offers a dividend yield with upcoming payment, supporting income investors. Valuation multiples are elevated, requiring sustained growth to justify current levels amid macroeconomic uncertainties.
Nike (NKE) trades at $43.76, down 1.82% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and bullish moving averages. Recent earnings consistently beat expectations, with Q1 2026 EPS of $0.72 surpassing the $0.11 estimate. Revenue declined to $46.31B in 2025, while net income margin compressed to 6.7%. The stock holds a consensus analyst price target of $50.80, with 49% of analysts rating it a Buy. A dividend of $0.41 is scheduled for payment on July 1, 2026.
Nike's outlook is mixed: strong brand equity and earnings beats support upside potential, but revenue pressures and margin compression pose risks. Investors face trade-offs between valuation support and execution challenges in key markets like China. The stock's current discount to consensus target suggests cautious optimism amid turnaround efforts.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →NIKE, Inc. designs, develops, and markets athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessory products for men, women, and children. The Company sells its products worldwide to retail stores, through its own stores, subsidiaries, and distributors.
Read more on NKE →