Baxter International Inc. vs Merck & Company, Inc. — Stock Comparison
Baxter International Inc. (BAX) and Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) are both listed on US exchanges. This page compares their Q·Score ratings, key fundamentals (P/E, margins, growth), and Wall Street analyst consensus side by side. Data sourced from Yahoo Finance and updated on each page load.
Merck & Company, Inc. clearly outscores Baxter International Inc. on Q·Score (7 vs 4.8 out of 10), led by Quality (7.7 vs 3.4) and Sentiment (7.1 vs 3.6). Baxter International Inc. scores higher on Valuation, reflecting stronger P/E and price-target positioning. Analyst consensus targets imply greater upside for MRK (+13.9%) than for BAX (+8.3%).
Price Performance
Normalised to 100 at period start — shows relative performance.
Q·Score Breakdown
Forward P/E of 9.9× is low relative to sector peers.
⚠ currently unprofitable (-10% margin).
High-quality business with 19% return on equity and 14% profit margins.
Analyst Consensus
Fundamentals
Frequently Asked Questions
BAX vs MRK: which stock scores better overall?
Based on Q·Score, Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) scores 7/10 versus Baxter International Inc. (BAX) at 4.8/10. The Q·Score measures five dimensions: Quality, Health, Growth, Valuation, and Sentiment. For informational purposes only — not financial advice.
Which has better revenue growth: BAX or MRK?
Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) scores higher on Growth (6.2/10 vs 4.7/10). Baxter International Inc. reports revenue growth (2.9% YoY) while Merck & Company, Inc. reports (4.9% YoY). Growth scores reflect revenue and earnings momentum relative to sector peers.
Is BAX or MRK more attractively valued?
Baxter International Inc. (BAX) scores higher on Valuation (7.2/10 vs 6.7/10). BAX trades at 9.9× P/E versus MRK at 11.9×. Valuation is assessed using P/E ratio, analyst price targets, and 52-week range positioning relative to sector peers.
What do analysts say about BAX vs MRK?
There are 12 analysts covering BAX with a consensus price target of $21.54, and 27 analysts covering MRK with a consensus target of $129.74. Analyst consensus ratings are aggregated from Wall Street research and do not constitute investment advice.
Which is more profitable: BAX or MRK?
Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) scores higher on Quality (7.7/10 vs 3.4/10). Net profit margin: BAX at -9.7%, MRK at 13.6%. Quality scores reflect profit margins, return on equity, and free cash flow generation.
Which has stronger financial health: BAX or MRK?
Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) scores higher on Financial Health (7/10 vs 5.1/10). Market beta: BAX at 0.64, MRK at 0.22. Health scores consider beta, debt-to-equity, and current ratio. All investments carry risk — this is not investment advice.
What are the market caps of BAX and MRK?
Baxter International Inc. (BAX) has a market capitalisation of $10.3B, while Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) has a market cap of $281.2B. Market cap data is sourced from Yahoo Finance and reflects the most recent available figures.
Do BAX or MRK pay dividends?
BAX pays a dividend yield of 0.98%, while MRK pays a dividend yield of 2.95%. Dividend yields fluctuate with share price and company payout decisions.
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Q·Score is an educational tool and is not financial advice. Data provided by Yahoo Finance. Updated on each page load. How it's calculated →