Compare Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) vs Novavax Inc (NVAX) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Merck & Co., Inc. vs Novavax Inc — how do they compare? Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $133.68 (market cap $321.77B), while Novavax Inc trades at $7.94 (market cap $1.31B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 245.6× Novavax Inc's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays a 2.61% dividend while Novavax Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MRK | NVAX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $321.77B | $1.31B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $131.84 | $11.19 |
52-Week Low | $77.60 | $6.22 |
Enterprise Value | $368.53B | $889.30M |
Dividend Yield | 2.61% | — |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Merck & Co. (MRK) trades at $133.64, up 2.09% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong institutional buying interest. The company reported solid earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q3 2026 EPS expected at $2.27. Revenue for 2025 reached $65.01B, and net income was $18.25B, though the P/E ratio of 104.34 suggests high valuation expectations. Recent news highlights Merck's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline.
Outlook: MRK's growth is supported by strategic acquisitions and a dominant oncology franchise, but risks include high valuation multiples and competitive pressures. The consensus price target of $140.36 implies modest upside, with 68% of analysts rating it a Buy. Investors should monitor execution on the Terns integration and Q3 earnings results for catalysts.
Novavax (NVAX) trades at $7.97, up 1.01% with a mixed technical picture showing bullish overall signals but bearish moving averages. The company reported strong Q2 2026 results, beating revenue and earnings estimates while raising full-year guidance. Despite negative profitability metrics, valuation ratios appear attractive with P/E of 3.14 and EV/EBITDA of 1.72. Recent news highlights progress with Sanofi partnership and cost reduction initiatives.
The outlook remains challenged by negative cash flows and accumulated deficits, but analyst sentiment is positive with 74% buy ratings. Key risks include ongoing operational losses and vaccine demand volatility, while potential upside exists from partnership milestones and adjuvant platform expansion. The stock presents a high-risk opportunity with significant analyst support despite fundamental weaknesses.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
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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 →About Novavax Inc
Novavax, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company. The Company creates novel vaccines to address a broad range of infectious diseases worldwide using proprietary virus-like particle (VLP) technology.
Read more on NVAX →
