Compare Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) vs Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Merck & Co., Inc. vs Philip Morris International Inc. — how do they compare? Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $148.15 (market cap $366.28B), while Philip Morris International Inc. trades at $186.66 (market cap $287.92B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and Philip Morris International Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.18%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MRK | PM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $366.28B | $287.92B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $156.43 | $200.17 |
52-Week Low | $77.60 | $144.33 |
Enterprise Value | $413.04B | $331.04B |
Dividend Yield | 2.29% | 3.18% |
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 (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.
Philip Morris International (PM) trades at $185.71, up 1.74% with a bearish technical signal. Recent earnings show beats in Q1 and Q2 2026, but the company cut its 2026 profit forecast due to a $500 million impairment and cost pressures. Fundamentals remain strong with a 25.56% net margin and $11.35B net income in 2025, though high debt and illicit market growth in Europe pose risks. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $211.17 price target.
The stock offers a solid dividend and brand strength via IQOS, but faces headwinds from currency swings, energy costs, and regulatory challenges. Upside depends on execution amid margin pressure, with the current price near the low end of analyst targets suggesting cautious optimism for long-term investors.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 Philip Morris International Inc.
Philip Morris International is an international tobacco company with a product portfolio primarily consisting of cigarettes and reduced-risk products, including heat-not-burn, vapor and oral nicotine products, which are sold in markets outside the United States. The company diversified away from nicotine products with the acquisition of Vectura, a provider of innovative inhaled drug delivery solutions, in 2021.
Read more on PM →
