MRK vs. VRSN
MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) and VRSN (VeriSign, Inc.) are both stocks. MRK operates in Drug Manufacturers - General (Healthcare), while VRSN operates in Software - Infrastructure (Technology). Over the past 10 years, MRK returned 11.59%/yr vs 12.83%/yr for VRSN. At a 0.23 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.
Performance
MRK vs. VRSN - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, MRK achieves a 13.94% return, which is significantly lower than VRSN's 15.94% return. Over the past 10 years, MRK has underperformed VRSN with an annualized return of 11.59%, while VRSN has yielded a comparatively higher 12.83% annualized return.
MRK
- 1D
- -1.42%
- 1M
- 4.94%
- YTD
- 13.94%
- 6M
- 20.60%
- 1Y
- 50.79%
- 3Y*
- 5.87%
- 5Y*
- 12.81%
- 10Y*
- 11.59%
VRSN
- 1D
- 0.11%
- 1M
- -4.91%
- YTD
- 15.94%
- 6M
- 16.40%
- 1Y
- 0.55%
- 3Y*
- 8.34%
- 5Y*
- 5.15%
- 10Y*
- 12.83%
MRK vs. VRSN - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MRK Merck & Co., Inc. | 13.94% | 9.79% | -6.26% | 1.01% | 49.42% | 1.75% | -7.20% | 22.27% | 39.95% | -1.49% |
VRSN VeriSign, Inc. | 15.94% | 18.41% | 0.49% | 0.25% | -19.06% | 17.29% | 12.31% | 29.93% | 29.58% | 50.44% |
Correlation
The correlation between MRK and VRSN is 0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.09 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.15 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.15 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.23 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 1998 | 0.23 |
The correlation between MRK and VRSN shifts across timeframes, from 0.09 (1 year) to 0.23 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Fundamentals
MRK:
$294.29B
VRSN:
$25.69B
MRK:
$3.58
VRSN:
$9.04
MRK:
33.21
VRSN:
30.95
MRK:
0.03
VRSN:
4.54
MRK:
4.52
VRSN:
15.46
MRK:
$65.59B
VRSN:
$1.68B
MRK:
$49.79B
VRSN:
$1.49B
MRK:
$22.69B
VRSN:
$1.18B
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Return for Risk
MRK vs. VRSN — Risk / Return Rank
MRK
VRSN
MRK vs. VRSN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) and VeriSign, Inc. (VRSN). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.
Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.
| MRK | VRSN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +1.86 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +2.58 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.33 | 1.03 | +0.30 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 4.49 | 0.02 | +4.47 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.22 | 0.04 | +11.18 |
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Drawdowns
MRK vs. VRSN - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MRK drawdown since its inception was -68.61%, smaller than the maximum VRSN drawdown of -98.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MRK and VRSN.
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Drawdown Indicators
| MRK | VRSN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -68.61% | -98.37% | +29.76% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.37% | -30.21% | +18.84% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -43.44% | -30.21% | -13.23% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -43.44% | -38.85% | -4.59% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -43.44% | -38.85% | -4.59% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -5.03% | -9.71% | +4.68% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -18.83% | -56.97% | +38.14% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.54% | 15.19% | -10.65% |
Volatility
MRK vs. VRSN - Volatility Comparison
Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) and VeriSign, Inc. (VRSN) have volatilities of 9.57% and 9.36%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| MRK | VRSN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 9.57% | 9.36% | +0.21% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 18.04% | 20.91% | -2.87% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 27.18% | 27.93% | -0.75% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 23.66% | 25.14% | -1.48% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 22.96% | 26.25% | -3.29% |
Dividends
MRK vs. VRSN - Dividend Comparison
MRK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.79%, more than VRSN's 1.13% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MRK Merck & Co., Inc. | 2.79% | 3.12% | 3.14% | 2.72% | 2.52% | 3.41% | 3.03% | 2.48% | 2.60% | 3.36% | 3.14% | 3.43% |
VRSN VeriSign, Inc. | 1.13% | 0.95% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Financials
MRK vs. VRSN - Financials Comparison
This section allows you to compare key financial metrics between Merck & Co., Inc. and VeriSign, Inc.. You can select fields from income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements to easily visualize and compare the financial health of both companies.
Total Revenue: Total amount of money received from sales and other business activities
MRK vs. VRSN - Profitability Comparison
MRK - Gross Margin
Gross margin is calculated as gross profit divided by revenue. For the three months ending on Jun 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. reported a gross profit of 13.34B and revenue of 16.29B. Therefore, the gross margin over that period was 81.9%.
VRSN - Gross Margin
Gross margin is calculated as gross profit divided by revenue. For the three months ending on Jun 2026, VeriSign, Inc. reported a gross profit of 379.70M and revenue of 428.90M. Therefore, the gross margin over that period was 88.5%.
MRK - Operating Margin
Operating margin is calculated as operating income divided by revenue. For the three months ending on Jun 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. reported an operating income of -1.88B and revenue of 16.29B, resulting in an operating margin of -11.6%.
VRSN - Operating Margin
Operating margin is calculated as operating income divided by revenue. For the three months ending on Jun 2026, VeriSign, Inc. reported an operating income of 293.60M and revenue of 428.90M, resulting in an operating margin of 68.5%.
MRK - Net Margin
Net margin is calculated as net income divided by revenue. For the three months ending on Jun 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. reported a net income of -4.24B and revenue of 16.29B, resulting in a net margin of -26.0%.
VRSN - Net Margin
Net margin is calculated as net income divided by revenue. For the three months ending on Jun 2026, VeriSign, Inc. reported a net income of 214.50M and revenue of 428.90M, resulting in a net margin of 50.0%.
Frequently Asked Questions
MRK and VRSN have a correlation of 0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
MRK has higher volatility (9.57%) compared to VRSN (9.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MRK dropped -68.61% vs VRSN's -98.37%.
MRK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 0.02), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.
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