Compare Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) vs Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Merck & Co., Inc. vs Valero Energy Corporation — how do they compare? Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $133.55 (market cap $321.77B), while Valero Energy Corporation trades at $331.25 (market cap $93.27B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 3.4× Valero Energy Corporation's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MRK | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $321.77B | $93.27B |
Sector | Health | Energy |
52-Week High | $131.84 | $323.92 |
52-Week Low | $77.60 | $133.38 |
Enterprise Value | $368.53B | $96.74B |
Dividend Yield | 2.61% | 1.48% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
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.
Valero Energy (VLO) trades at $329.99, up 4.78% on the day, reflecting strong momentum after recent earnings beats. The stock shows bullish technical signals with moving averages supporting upward trends, while fundamentals indicate robust profitability with a 29.31% ROE and a P/E of 13.51. Recent news highlights refining strength and geopolitical factors benefiting the sector.
Outlook remains positive with analyst consensus favoring a Buy rating and a $324.27 price target. Key risks include volatile oil prices and refining margin pressures, but disciplined capital allocation and renewable diesel growth offer upside potential for investors seeking energy exposure.
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 Valero Energy Corporation
Valero Energy is one of the largest independent refiners in the United States. It operates 14 refineries with a total throughput capacity of 3.2 million barrels a day in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Valero also owns 14 ethanol plants with capacity of 1.7 billion gallons of ethanol a year and holds a 50% stake in Diamond Green Diesel, which has capacity to produce 700 million gallons per year of renewable diesel.
Read more on VLO →
