Merck & Co., Inc. vs PulteGroup, Inc. — how do they compare? Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $133.12 (market cap $321.77B), while PulteGroup, Inc. trades at $129.92 (market cap $25.22B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 12.8× PulteGroup, Inc.'s market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MRK | PHM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $321.77B | $25.22B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $131.84 | $142.56 |
52-Week Low | $77.60 | $110.11 |
Enterprise Value | $368.53B | $25.64B |
Dividend Yield | 2.61% | 0.79% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
MRK trades at $133.6, up 2.06% today, near its 52-week high. The stock shows a bullish technical trend with strong moving average support. Recent earnings have consistently beaten estimates, with Q3 2026 expected at $2.27 EPS. The company's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals aims to bolster its oncology pipeline, while revenue growth remains steady at $65.01B in 2025.
MRK presents a positive outlook with a consensus price target of $140.36, indicating potential upside. Strong institutional buying and a 67.57% buy rating from analysts support bullish sentiment. Risks include rising debt-to-asset ratios and competitive pressures in the pharma sector. The dividend yield of $0.85 per half-year adds income appeal for long-term investors.
PulteGroup (PHM) trades at $129.35, down 0.54% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and neutral oscillators. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.48, beating estimates, but revenue and margins face pressure. Analyst consensus is a Moderate Buy with a $137.20 price target, and recent news highlights operational expansion into Northwest Florida and workplace recognition.
The outlook remains cautiously optimistic supported by a solid balance sheet and community growth, though margin compression and housing market affordability challenges present near-term risks. The stock offers value with a P/E of 13.53, but investors should monitor earnings consistency and industry headwinds.
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 →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 →