SHEL vs MRK Comparison

Shell is an integrated oil and gas company that explores for, produces, and refines oil around the world. In 2024, it produced 1.5 million barrels of liquids and 7.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. At year-end 2024, reserves stood at 9.6 billion barrels of oil equivalent, 48% of which consisted of liquids. Its production and reserves are in Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and North and South America. The company operates refineries with a capacity of 1.6 mmb/d located in the Americas, Asia, and Europe, and sells about 12 million tons per year of chemicals. Its largest chemical plants, often integrated with its local refineries, are in Central Europe, China, Singapore, and North America.

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, led by Keytruda, is a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business aimed at preventing pediatric diseases, as well as Gardasil for human papillomavirus. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, 47% of the company's sales are generated from US human health (pharmaceuticals and vaccines).