Merck & Co., Inc. vs Annaly Capital Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $133.15 (market cap $321.77B), while Annaly Capital Management, Inc. trades at $23.22 (market cap $17.44B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 18.5× Annaly Capital Management, Inc.'s market cap, and Annaly Capital Management, Inc. pays the higher dividend (12.96%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MRK | NLY | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $321.77B | $17.44B |
Sector | Health | Financials |
52-Week High | $131.84 | $24.40 |
52-Week Low | $77.60 | $20.21 |
Enterprise Value | $368.53B | — |
Dividend Yield | 2.61% | 12.96% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Merck (MRK) trades at $130.9, up 1.81% today, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $140.36. Recent earnings beats and a 72.97% gross margin highlight strong profitability, while the acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals aims to bolster its oncology pipeline. The stock faces headwinds from a high P/E ratio of 104.34 and fluctuating cash flows.
The outlook is positive with robust fundamentals and strategic M&A, but valuation concerns and competitive pressures in pharma pose risks. Upside is likely if earnings growth continues, though investors should monitor debt levels and integration of acquisitions.
NLY trades at $22.91, down 0.56% today, with strong technical momentum showing a bullish moving average signal. The stock demonstrates robust fundamentals with a P/E of 5.59, ROE of 20.66%, and consistent earnings beats in recent quarters. Recent Q2 2026 results exceeded expectations with $0.79 EPS versus $0.75 estimate, supported by growing net interest income and dividend coverage improvements.
Analyst consensus remains positive with a $24.50 price target and 57% buy ratings, though investors should monitor interest rate sensitivity given the REIT's mortgage-focused business model. The 13%+ dividend yield provides income appeal, but funding costs and mortgage market volatility present ongoing risks to book value stability.
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 →Annaly Capital Management Inc is an American mortgage real estate investment trust. The company segments its operations into Residential and Commercial real estate investments. While Annaly's Residential assets are primarily comprised of agency mortgage-backed securities and debentures, it is primarily invested in commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities in its Commercial unit through its subsidiary, Annaly Commercial Real Estate Group. Agency mortgage-backed securities and debentures make up the majority of the company's overall portfolio. Most of the company's counterparties are located in the U.S. Annaly generates nearly all of its revenue from the spread between interest earned on its assets and interest payments made on its borrowings.
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