Compare Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) vs Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Merck & Co., Inc. vs Ross Stores, Inc. — how do they compare? Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $126.24 (market cap $307.25B), while Ross Stores, Inc. trades at $233.99 (market cap $75.63B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 4.1× Ross Stores, Inc.'s market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.73%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MRK | ROST | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $307.25B | $75.63B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $129.52 | $240.13 |
52-Week Low | $77.60 | $134.02 |
Enterprise Value | $350.66B | $76.23B |
Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 0.75% |
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 $126.27, down 0.96% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and strong fundamental performance. The company reported robust 2025 results with $65.01B revenue and $18.25B net income, beating EPS estimates in recent quarters. Recent news highlights Merck's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline, while analyst consensus remains bullish with a $137.30 price target.
Outlook is positive driven by earnings momentum and strategic M&A, but risks include patent expirations and competitive pressures. The stock offers a dividend yield with upcoming payment, supporting income investors. Valuation multiples are elevated, requiring sustained growth to justify current levels amid macroeconomic uncertainties.
Ross Stores (ROST) trades at $235.78, up 1.05% today, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and recent earnings beats. The company reported strong Q1 2026 results with 21% sales growth and expanding margins, while expanding its store footprint with 47 new locations in mid-2026. Valuation metrics show a P/E of 32.93 and robust profitability with a 38.98% ROE, though the stock trades near analyst price targets.
The outlook remains positive due to consistent earnings outperformance and store expansion, but risks include high valuation multiples and competitive retail pressures. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $259 price target, suggesting moderate upside potential from current levels amid broader market volatility.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
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 Ross Stores, Inc.
Ross Stores is a leading American off-price apparel and home fashion retailer, operating over 1,920 stores (at the end of fiscal 2021) across the Ross Dress for Less and dd's Discounts banners. Ross offers a variety of name-brand products and targets undercutting conventional retailers' regular prices by 20%-70%. The company uses an opportunistic, flexible merchandising approach
Read more on ROST →
