Merck & Co., Inc. vs Walmart Stores Inc — how do they compare? Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $148.1 (market cap $366.28B), while Walmart Stores Inc trades at $106.1 (market cap $841.37B). The key difference: Walmart Stores Inc is far larger — about 2.3× Merck & Co., Inc.'s market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.29%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MRK | WMT | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $366.28B | $841.37B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $156.43 | $134.20 |
52-Week Low | $77.60 | $100.41 |
Enterprise Value | $413.04B | $903.60B |
Dividend Yield | 2.29% | 0.93% |
Volume | — | 5,675,288 |
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.
Walmart (WMT) trades at $105.83, down 1.22% on the day, amid a bearish technical signal but strong fundamental performance. The company has beaten EPS estimates for three consecutive quarters, with revenue reaching $680.99 billion in 2025 and net income margin improving to 2.85%. Analyst consensus is strongly bullish with a $130.69 price target, though technical indicators show near-term resistance around $107.
The outlook remains positive given consistent earnings beats, expanding profit margins, and strategic initiatives in delivery and AI. Key risks include competitive pressure from Amazon, which recently surpassed Walmart in revenue, and potential margin compression from increased investment. The stock offers a compelling long-term growth story supported by operational efficiency and market dominance.
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 →Walmart Inc. operates discount stores, supercenters, and neighborhood markets. The Company offers merchandise such as apparel, house wares, small appliances, electronics, musical instruments, books, home improvement, shoes, jewelry, toddler, games, household essentials, pets, pharmaceutical products, party supplies, and automotive tools. Walmart serves customers worldwide.
Read more on WMT →