Compare Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc (WMS) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Merck & Co., Inc. vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $130.11 (market cap $323.00B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $143.7 (market cap $10.68B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 30.2× Advanced Drainage Systems Inc's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.6%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MRK | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $323.00B | $10.68B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $131.84 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $77.60 | $129.50 |
Enterprise Value | $369.77B | $12.29B |
Dividend Yield | 2.6% | 0.56% |
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 $130.90, up 1.81% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook and strong institutional support. Recent earnings beats in Q4 2025 and Q1-Q2 2026, alongside a 28.07% net income margin in 2025, highlight operational strength. The acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals aims to bolster its oncology pipeline, though a high P/E of 104.74 signals premium valuation. Cash flow remains positive at $1.37B in 2025, but investing outflows have increased.
The stock offers growth potential from pipeline expansion and analyst consensus targeting $140.36, but risks include elevated debt-to-asset ratios (36.06% in 2025) and competitive pressures. Investors should weigh robust profitability against valuation concerns and macroeconomic headwinds affecting the pharma sector.
Advanced Drainage Systems (WMS) trades at $143.95, down 3.03% on the day, with a neutral technical signal. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings of $2.49 per share, beating estimates, and maintains solid profitability with a 14% net income margin and 24.9% ROE. Recent news highlights Q1 fiscal 2027 sales growth of 21% and consistent dividend payments, though cash flow turned negative in 2025 due to increased investing activity.
The outlook is mixed; analyst consensus is a Buy with a $185.86 price target, but near-term risks include volatile cash flows and high valuation multiples. Upside potential hinges on execution of growth initiatives and infrastructure demand, while margin pressure and economic sensitivity pose challenges.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
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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 Advanced Drainage Systems Inc
Advanced Drainage Systems Inc is engaged in designing, manufacturing, and marketing thermoplastic corrugated pipe and related water management products in North and South America, and Europe. The company's operating segment includes Pipe
Read more on WMS →
