Advertisement
AMGN vs MRK
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Amgen (AMGN) vs. Merck (MRK) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Amgen (AMGN) has leaned on a diversified growth portfolio, with six core franchises growing roughly 24% year over year and now representing about 70% of product sales, while managing denosumab and Otezla loss-of-exclusivity headwinds.
- Merck (MRK) remains anchored to blockbuster Keytruda, which faces U.S. patent expiry in 2028, even as newer launches and pipeline assets build toward a post-Keytruda future.
- Recent market momentum has favored Merck on a year-to-date basis, while Amgen has shown steadier, dividend-supported relative performance in recent weeks.
- Sentiment around Merck has swung on cancer-vaccine data with Moderna, whereas Amgen's narrative is being shaped by its obesity candidate MariTide and oncology and rare-disease launches.
- Both names carry concentrated pipeline and patent risks, but their growth drivers and valuation profiles appeal to different types of investors.
- For more detail on each company, explore AMGN Major News and AMGN Today's Price Move, as well as MRK Major News and MRK Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are positioning across these and thousands of other tickers, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Amgen and Merck are two of the largest and most influential names in U.S. healthcare, yet they represent distinct investing profiles. Amgen is a diversified biotechnology leader spanning cardiovascular, bone health, inflammation, oncology, and rare disease, while Merck is a global pharmaceutical giant built around the world's top-selling oncology immunotherapy. This comparison is relevant for long-term investors evaluating sector exposure and pipeline durability, as well as active traders monitoring relative performance and momentum shifts. Understanding how these two companies differ in business model, growth drivers, and risk helps clarify where each may fit within a broader portfolio.
AMGN Overview and Recent Performance
AMGN has positioned 2026 as a transitional "springboard" year, with management highlighting first-quarter revenue growth of 6% and non-GAAP (non-GAAP means excluding certain one-time items) earnings-per-share growth of 5%. Six priority growth franchises — including Repatha, EVENITY, TEZSPIRE, the oncology portfolio, rare disease, and biosimilars — grew about 24% as a group and now account for roughly 70% of product sales. This breadth has helped offset pricing pressure and biosimilar competition facing the denosumab franchise (Prolia and XGEVA) and Otezla in Europe.
In recent weeks, Amgen shares have shown comparatively steady momentum, trading near multi-year highs and outpacing the broader medical sector over the trailing month. The company offers a dividend yield of approximately 3%, providing valuation support. Investor attention has centered on MariTide, its investigational obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment, which is advancing through phase 3 trials with potential for infrequent dosing. Analysts have issued mixed ratings, with a consensus "Hold" and price targets below recent prices, reflecting both confidence in the pipeline and caution around near-term patent erosion.
MRK Overview and Recent Performance
MRK derives much of its strength from Keytruda, the leading immuno-oncology therapy, which faces U.S. loss of exclusivity in 2028. Management is working to diversify ahead of that milestone through new launches such as Winrevair, Capvaxive, and Welireg, alongside strategic acquisitions. Recent first-quarter results were shaped by a large acquisition-related charge tied to Cidara Therapeutics, which pushed reported results into a loss even as sales improved year over year.
Merck has been one of the stronger large-cap pharma performers on a year-to-date basis, rallying significantly and reaching a new 52-week high. Much of the recent sentiment has hinged on Phase 3 data for intismeran autogene, a personalized mRNA (messenger RNA) cancer vaccine developed with Moderna and combined with Keytruda. The data showed a 42% reduction in the risk of recurrence or death, improving to 58% at six months, though some analysts viewed the results as below elevated expectations. Despite short-term volatility around that disclosure, Merck's analyst consensus remains a "Buy," reflecting confidence in its diversification strategy.
Trending AI Robots
For traders seeking a systematic view of relative positioning, Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page curates a selection of the platform's most relevant automated strategies. Tickeron offers hundreds of AI trading bots covering thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance history, and set of traded securities. Only the strategies best suited to current market conditions earn a place in this curated section, making it a useful starting point for comparing automated approaches across names like AMGN and MRK. The bots span a wide range of methodologies and holding periods, allowing users to filter by risk profile and objective. Explore the Trending AI Robots section to review how these systems are currently positioned.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies diverge most sharply in concentration risk. Amgen's growth is spread across multiple franchises, reducing reliance on any single product, though it faces ongoing denosumab erosion. Merck's performance remains disproportionately tied to Keytruda, magnifying the importance of its 2028 patent cliff and the success of newer launches and pipeline candidates. In terms of recent momentum, Merck has delivered stronger year-to-date appreciation, while Amgen has provided more income-oriented, dividend-supported stability. Valuation also differs: Amgen trades at a lower forward price-to-earnings multiple than its industry, whereas Merck carries a premium, reflecting higher consensus expectations. On catalysts, Amgen's near-term story revolves around MariTide and oncology data, while Merck's hinges on cancer-vaccine readouts and the pace of portfolio diversification.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward MRK for momentum and upward trend consistency over recent months, supported by strong relative strength and a favorable analyst consensus. However, AMGN may be favored on risk-adjusted stability, given its diversified revenue base and dividend support, which can dampen downside volatility. The preferred candidate ultimately depends on the strategy's timeframe and risk tolerance, and the assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is AMGN is a Buy and MRK is a Hold.
AMGN in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026
The 10-day moving average for AMGN crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on AMGN as a result. In 45 of 73 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for AMGN just turned positive on September 24, 2026. Looking at past instances where AMGN's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
AMGN moved above its 50-day moving average on October 09, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.14% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where AMGN advanced for three days, in 194 of 315 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 148 of 272 cases where AMGN Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 54%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 12 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where AMGN declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 47%.
AMGN broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 4 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 60, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 5 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. AMGN’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 15 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 23 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 23 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 79 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (21.555) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.403). P/E Ratio (28.731) is within average values for comparable stocks, (21.451). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.524) is also within normal values, averaging (5.738). Dividend Yield (0.022) settles around the average of (0.039) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.371) is also within normal values, averaging (4.033).
MRK sees its Stochastic Oscillator climbs out of oversold territory
On October 30, 2026, the Stochastic Oscillator for MRK moved out of oversold territory and this could be a bullish sign for the stock. Traders may want to buy the stock or buy call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 52 instances where the indicator left the oversold zone. In 35 of the 52 cases the stock moved higher in the following days. This puts the odds of a move higher at over 67%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 29, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on MRK as a result. In 47 of 85 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for MRK just turned positive on October 30, 2026. Looking at past instances where MRK's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 31 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
MRK moved above its 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +6.09% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MRK advanced for three days, in 191 of 338 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
MRK may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day moving average for MRK crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MRK declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 51%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 1 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 30 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 60, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 39 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. MRK’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 79 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 88 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (8.797) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.403). MRK's P/E Ratio (118.667) is considerably higher than the industry average of (21.451). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.716) is also within normal values, averaging (5.738). Dividend Yield (0.023) settles around the average of (0.039) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.402) is also within normal values, averaging (4.033).
AMGN | MRK | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 27 | 78 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 79 Overvalued | 88 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 4 | 30 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 15 | 79 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 5 | 39 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 23 | 1 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 23 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
AMGN's Valuation (79) in the Biotechnology industry is in the same range as MRK (88) in the Pharmaceuticals Major industry. This means that AMGN’s stock grew similarly to MRK’s over the last 12 months.
AMGN's Profit vs Risk Rating (4) in the Biotechnology industry is in the same range as MRK (30) in the Pharmaceuticals Major industry. This means that AMGN’s stock grew similarly to MRK’s over the last 12 months.
AMGN's SMR Rating (15) in the Biotechnology industry is somewhat better than the same rating for MRK (79) in the Pharmaceuticals Major industry. This means that AMGN’s stock grew somewhat faster than MRK’s over the last 12 months.
AMGN's Price Growth Rating (5) in the Biotechnology industry is somewhat better than the same rating for MRK (39) in the Pharmaceuticals Major industry. This means that AMGN’s stock grew somewhat faster than MRK’s over the last 12 months.
MRK's P/E Growth Rating (1) in the Pharmaceuticals Major industry is in the same range as AMGN (23) in the Biotechnology industry. This means that MRK’s stock grew similarly to AMGN’s over the last 12 months.
| AMGN | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | 2 days ago 67% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 55% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 62% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 57% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 57% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 57% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 13 days ago 47% | 6 days ago 51% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 54% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | N/A |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
AMGN’s FA Score shows that 4 FA rating(s) are green while MRK’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- AMGN’s FA Score: 4 green, 1 red.
- MRK’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
AMGN’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while MRK’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- AMGN’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- MRK’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 2 bearish.
Price Growth
AMGN (@Pharmaceuticals: Major) experienced а +6.09% price change this week, while MRK (@Pharmaceuticals: Major) price change was +2.93% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Pharmaceuticals: Major industry was +0.16%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -2.39%, and the average quarterly price growth was +4.91%.
Reported Earning Dates
AMGN is expected to report earnings on Nov 03, 2026.
MRK is expected to report earnings on Feb 02, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Pharmaceuticals: Major (+0.16% weekly)The Major Pharmaceuticals industry includes companies that are involved in various processes of creating drugs to treat/prevent diseases. These companies engage in research, testing and manufacturing, as well as the distribution of pharmaceuticals into markets. Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer Inc. and Novartis are among the largest companies in this category.
Advertisement
MRK and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MRK has been loosely correlated with GSK. These tickers have moved in lockstep 49% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if MRK jumps, then GSK could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To MRK | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 100% | +2.18% | ||
| GSK - MRK | 49% Loosely correlated | +1.71% | ||
| JNJ - MRK | 49% Loosely correlated | -0.73% | ||
| AMGN - MRK | 47% Loosely correlated | +1.15% | ||
| NVS - MRK | 46% Loosely correlated | -0.19% | ||
| BIIB - MRK | 46% Loosely correlated | +1.59% | ||
More | ||||