Merck & Co., Inc. vs Pfizer Inc — how do they compare? Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $148.24 (market cap $366.28B), while Pfizer Inc trades at $27.9 (market cap $158.39B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 2.3× Pfizer Inc's market cap, and Pfizer Inc pays the higher dividend (6.19%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MRK | PFE | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $366.28B | $158.39B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $156.43 | $29.02 |
52-Week Low | $77.60 | $23.60 |
Enterprise Value | $413.04B | $209.89B |
Dividend Yield | 2.29% | 6.19% |
Volume | — | 29,869,932 |
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.
Pfizer (PFE) trades at $27.78, down 2.36% today, with a consensus price target of $28.33 suggesting modest upside. The stock shows mixed technical signals with bullish moving averages but neutral oscillators. Recent earnings have consistently beaten expectations, though revenue declined from pandemic peaks. The company maintains strong cash flow generation and a solid dividend yield of approximately 3.1%.
Pfizer presents a value opportunity with reasonable valuation metrics and dividend stability, but faces headwinds from post-COVID revenue normalization and patent expirations. The company's pipeline progress in obesity and oncology could drive future growth, though execution risks remain. Analyst sentiment leans cautious with 59% hold ratings.
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 →Pfizer Inc. operates as a pharmaceutical company. The Company offers medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and consumer healthcare products for oncology, inflammation, cardiovascular, and other therapeutic areas. Pfizer serves customers worldwide.
Read more on PFE →