Merck & Co., Inc. vs PulteGroup, Inc. — how do they compare? Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $148.1 (market cap $366.28B), while PulteGroup, Inc. trades at $118.95 (market cap $22.87B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 16× PulteGroup, Inc.'s market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.29%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MRK | PHM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $366.28B | $22.87B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $156.43 | $142.56 |
52-Week Low | $77.60 | $110.11 |
Enterprise Value | $413.04B | $23.28B |
Dividend Yield | 2.29% | 0.87% |
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.
PulteGroup (PHM) trades at $120.07, down 3.52% on the day amid a bearish technical signal. The stock shows mixed fundamentals with a P/E of 12.26 and net income margin of 11.62%, but recent earnings missed expectations in two of the last three quarters. Positive cash flow of $355.10M in 2025 and expansion into Northwest Florida provide operational strength, though rising mortgage rates pose headwinds.
The outlook is cautious with analyst consensus leaning buy (47.73%) and a $137.57 price target suggesting 14.6% upside. Key risks include housing affordability pressures from higher yields and volatile earnings performance. The stock's current level near support at $119 offers a potential entry, but macroeconomic sensitivity warrants careful monitoring.
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 →PulteGroup Inc is one of the largest homebuilders in the United States, operating in 40 markets across 23 states. The company mainly builds single-family detached homes (85% of unit sales) and offers products to entry-level, move-up, and active-adult buyers. PulteGroup offers homebuyers mortgage financing and title agency services through its financial services segment. The company is headquartered in Atlanta.
Read more on PHM →