Merck & Co., Inc. vs Unilever plc — how do they compare? Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $125.97 (market cap $307.25B), while Unilever plc trades at $62.18 (market cap $131.86B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 2.3× Unilever plc's market cap, and Unilever plc pays the higher dividend (3.68%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MRK | UL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $307.25B | $131.86B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $129.52 | $74.59 |
52-Week Low | $77.60 | $55.05 |
Enterprise Value | $350.66B | $157.31B |
Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 3.68% |
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.
Unilever (UL) trades at $60.79, down 2.56% today, with a mixed technical and fundamental backdrop. The stock shows a bullish technical signal from moving averages but has missed earnings expectations in recent quarters. Revenue in 2024 was $60.76B with a net income margin of 9.45%, while the company explores strategic moves like a potential bid for Thorne and a partnership with Accenture to scale AI in manufacturing.
The outlook is balanced; strong cash flow and a high ROE of 53.32% support the dividend, but recent earnings misses and a high P/B ratio of 7.55 pose risks. Analyst sentiment is neutral with a 51.36% hold rating, reflecting cautious optimism amid execution challenges and macroeconomic 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 →Unilever is a diversified personal product (42% of 2021 sales by value), home care (20%), and packaged food (38%) company. Its brands include Knorr soups and sauces, Hellmann's mayonnaise, Lipton teas, Axe and Dove skin products, and the TRESemme haircare brand. The firm has been acquisitive in recent years
Read more on UL →