About Merck KGaA (MRK)
Merck KGaA is a Drug Manufacturers - Specialty & Generic company operating in the Healthcare sector. The company is headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany. MRK has been publicly traded since 1998, giving it 28+ years of trading history.
Merck KGaA (MRK) has been publicly traded since 1998, making it a 28-year-old public company. It operates in the Drug Manufacturers - Specialty & Generic industry within the Healthcare sector. The company is headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany and employs approximately 59,077 people. With a market capitalization of €47 billion, MRK is a large established company.
MRK trades on the German stock exchanges (XETRA/Frankfurt) and is classified as a large-cap-cap stock with a market capitalization of approximately €47 billion. The company employs approximately 59,077 people worldwide.
Key Statistics
- Current Price
- €107.80
- Market Cap
- €46.87B
- 52-Week High
- €137.45
- 52-Week Low
- €100.70
- Sector
- Healthcare
- Industry
- Drug Manufacturers - Specialty & Generic
MRK Investment Performance
MRK has declined 12.1% year-to-date in 2026. Over the past 5 years, a €1,000 investment in MRK would have grown to €791, representing a -20.9% total return. Since its IPO in 1998, a €1,000 investment would now be worth €7,812.
€1,000 Invested in Merck KGaA (MRK)
How much would €1,000 invested in MRK be worth today?
What would €1,000 invested in MRK 1 year ago be worth today?
A €1,000 investment in Merck KGaA (MRK) in 2025 would be worth €868 as of March 2026, representing a -13.3% total return.
What would €1,000 invested in MRK 3 years ago be worth today?
A €1,000 investment in Merck KGaA (MRK) in 2023 would be worth €658 as of March 2026, representing a -34.2% total return.
What would €1,000 invested in MRK 5 years ago be worth today?
A €1,000 investment in Merck KGaA (MRK) in 2021 would be worth €791 as of March 2026, representing a -20.9% total return.
What would €1,000 invested in MRK 10 years ago be worth today?
A €1,000 investment in Merck KGaA (MRK) in 2016 would be worth €1,678 as of March 2026, representing a +67.8% total return.
What would €1,000 invested in MRK at IPO be worth today?
A €1,000 investment in Merck KGaA (MRK) at IPO would be worth €7,812 as of March 2026, representing a +681.2% total return.
Monthly Returns Heatmap
Over the past 27+ years (333 months), Merck KGaA (MRK) has averaged a monthly return of +0.90% with a median return of +0.80%. The stock had 184 positive months (55%) and 148 negative months (44%). The best month in MRK's history was March 2000 with a +25.8% return, while the worst was July 2002 at -27.4%. Historically, November tends to be the strongest month (averaging +3.3%), and February the weakest (-1.7%).
MRK's longest winning streak was 11 consecutive months of gains, while its longest losing streak was 5 consecutive months of losses. The best full year was 2000 with a cumulative return of +53.4%, and the worst was 2002 at -36.2%.
Annual Returns
Over 28 years of trading history, Merck KGaA (MRK) has delivered an average annual return of +11.26% with a median return of +12.89%. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is +8.02%. The stock posted gains in 17 years (61%) and losses in 11 years (39%).
MRK's best year was 2021 with a +63.33% gain, while the worst was 2002 at -36.99%. The longest streak of consecutive positive years was 6, and the longest losing streak was 5 years. MRK achieved double-digit gains (10%+) in 15 years. It suffered double-digit losses in 7 years.
| Year | Return | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | -12.07% | €122.60 | €107.80 |
| 2025 | -10.76% | €137.38 | €122.60 |
| 2024 | -1.45% | €139.40 | €137.38 |
| 2023 | -19.25% | €172.63 | €139.40 |
| 2022 | -19.49% | €214.41 | €172.63 |
| 2021 | +63.33% | €131.28 | €214.41 |
| 2020 | +34.88% | €97.33 | €131.28 |
| 2019 | +18.63% | €82.04 | €97.33 |
| 2018 | +1.79% | €80.60 | €82.04 |
| 2017 | -8.46% | €88.05 | €80.60 |
| 2016 | +12.13% | €78.52 | €88.05 |
| 2015 | +15.32% | €68.09 | €78.52 |
| 2014 | +22.31% | €55.67 | €68.09 |
| 2013 | +32.41% | €42.04 | €55.67 |
| 2012 | +31.89% | €31.88 | €42.04 |
| 2011 | +31.25% | €24.29 | €31.88 |
| 2010 | -6.63% | €26.01 | €24.29 |
| 2009 | +3.33% | €25.18 | €26.01 |
| 2008 | -26.94% | €34.46 | €25.18 |
| 2007 | +15.41% | €29.86 | €34.46 |
| 2006 | +13.64% | €26.27 | €29.86 |
| 2005 | +40.75% | €18.67 | €26.27 |
| 2004 | +56.53% | €11.93 | €18.67 |
| 2003 | +35.99% | €8.77 | €11.93 |
| 2002 | -36.99% | €13.92 | €8.77 |
| 2001 | -9.79% | €15.43 | €13.92 |
| 2000 | +60.15% | €9.63 | €15.43 |
| 1999 | -22.54% | €12.44 | €9.63 |
MRK Investment Analysis: Valuation, Risk & Dividends
Key factors to consider when evaluating Merck KGaA as an investment
Valuation
MRK currently trades at a trailing P/E ratio of 15.9, which is considered moderate relative to the broader market. The forward P/E of 12.0 suggests analysts expect earnings to be lower in the coming year. The price-to-book ratio stands at 1.6. The price-to-sales ratio is 2.2.
Dividends
Merck KGaA pays a dividend to shareholders with a current yield of 2.04%. This translates to €2.20 per share annually. The payout ratio of 32% indicates sustainable dividend coverage.
Risk & Volatility
MRK has a beta of 0.72, indicating it is less volatile than the overall market. The stock's 52-week range is €100.70 to €137.45, and it currently trades near its 52-week low.
Analyst Ratings
Based on 16 analyst opinions, MRK has a consensus "buy" rating. The average price target of €147.12 suggests 36.5% upside from current levels.
Frequently Asked Questions: MRK
What sector is MRK in? ▼
MRK operates in the Healthcare sector, specifically in the Drug Manufacturers - Specialty & Generic industry. This sector includes pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, medical device manufacturers, and healthcare providers.
How has MRK performed historically? ▼
Over 28 years of trading history, MRK has posted gains in 17 years (61% of the time). The best year was 2021 with a +63.3% return. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How can I invest in MRK? ▼
You can invest in MRK through any brokerage account that offers access to German exchanges. Popular options include commission-free brokers like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or Robinhood (US), or international brokers like Interactive Brokers. You can buy individual shares or invest through ETFs that hold MRK.
Does MRK pay dividends? ▼
Merck KGaA pays a dividend to shareholders with a current yield of 2.04%. This translates to €2.20 per share annually. The payout ratio of 32% indicates sustainable dividend coverage.
What does Merck KGaA do? ▼
Merck KGaA is a Drug Manufacturers - Specialty & Generic company operating in the Healthcare sector. The company is headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany.
What sector is MRK in? ▼
MRK operates in the Healthcare sector, specifically in the Drug Manufacturers - Specialty & Generic industry.
When did MRK go public? ▼
Merck KGaA went public in 1998, making it a 28-year-old public company as of 2026.
How much would €1,000 invested in MRK 5 years ago be worth today? ▼
A €1,000 investment in MRK five years ago would be worth approximately €791 today, representing a -20.9% return.
How much would €1,000 invested in MRK 10 years ago be worth today? ▼
A €1,000 investment in MRK ten years ago would be worth approximately €1,678 today, representing a 67.8% total return over the decade.
What is MRK's 3-year return? ▼
Over the past 3 years, MRK has returned -34.2%. A €1,000 investment would have grown to €658.
How much would €1,000 invested in MRK at IPO be worth today? ▼
If you invested €1,000 in MRK at its IPO in 1998, it would be worth approximately €7,812 today, a 681.2% return over 28 years.
Does MRK pay dividends? ▼
Yes, Merck KGaA pays a dividend with a current yield of 2.04%, which is €2.2 per share annually.
What is MRK's market cap? ▼
Merck KGaA has a market capitalization of €47 billion, classifying it as a large-cap company.
What is MRK's P/E ratio? ▼
MRK has a trailing P/E ratio of 15.9 and a forward P/E of 12.0, which measures how much investors are paying per dollar of earnings.
Is MRK a buy, hold, or sell? ▼
Based on 16 opinions, MRK has a consensus "buy" rating. The average price target is €147.12.
Last updated: 3/15/2026