Which stock is better: JNJ or MRK?

The comparison between Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) depends on your investment criteria. Compare valuation, profitability, growth, and risk metrics to determine which aligns better with your investment goals.

What is the P/E ratio of JNJ vs MRK?

JNJ has a P/E ratio of 31.90, while MRK has a P/E ratio of 120.42. A lower P/E ratio may indicate a more attractive valuation.

What is the market cap difference between JNJ and MRK?

JNJ has a market cap of approximately 671B, while MRK has a market cap of approximately 371.3B.

JNJ vs MRK

Name: JNJ Stock
Brand: Johnson & Johnson
Price: 278.43 USD
Availability: InStock

In the past 12 months, MRK returned +79% while JNJ gained 56%.

Valuation Growth Profitability Balance Sheet Performance

JNJ

Johnson & Johnson

$278.43

9.4%(1M)

Market Cap671B

Healthcare

Drug Manufacturers - General

USA

P/E Ratio31.90

ROE25.7%

P/B Ratio7.92

Dividend Yield1.9%

MRK

Merck & Co., Inc.

$150.34

17.5%(1M)

Market Cap371.3B

Healthcare

Drug Manufacturers - General

USA

P/E Ratio120.42

ROE6.6%

P/B Ratio8.94

Dividend Yield2.2%

Performance Comparison

Historical returns across multiple timeframes

MRK leads 7/8

JNJ

Johnson & Johnson

+56.4%

1Y Return

MRK

Merck & Co., Inc.

+78.9%

1Y Return

JNJ

MRK

Short Term

1M-6M

+22.5%

Medium Term

YTD-1Y

+60.8%

Long Term

3Y-10Y

+95.7%

Valuation

Compare price multiples and valuation ratios

JNJ: 3MRK: 2

Metric	JNJ	MRK	Winner
P/E Ratio Price to earnings ratio	31.90	120.42	JNJ
Forward P/E Forward price to earnings ratio	0.00	0.00	Tie
P/S Ratio Price to sales ratio	6.79	5.64	MRK
P/B Ratio Price to book ratio	7.92	8.94	JNJ
P/FCF Ratio Price to free cash flow ratio	35.54	23.33	MRK
EV/EBITDA Enterprise value to EBITDA	20.55	30.45	JNJ
PEG Ratio Price/earnings to growth ratio	0.00	0.00	Tie

Profitability

Compare profit margins and returns on capital

JNJ: 5MRK: 1

Metric	JNJ	MRK	Winner
Gross Margin Gross profit margin	70.5%	75.4%	MRK
Operating Margin Operating profit margin	26.8%	16.7%	JNJ
Net Margin Net profit margin	21.5%	4.8%	JNJ
ROE Return on equity	25.7%	6.6%	JNJ
ROA Return on assets	10.5%	2.4%	JNJ
ROIC Return on invested capital	13.9%	5.6%	JNJ

Growth

Compare revenue and earnings growth rates

JNJ: 4MRK: 2

Metric	JNJ	MRK	Winner
Revenue Growth (YoY) Year-over-year revenue growth	6.0%	1.2%	JNJ
Revenue Growth (3Y) 3-year revenue CAGR	5.6%	3.1%	JNJ
Revenue Growth (5Y) 5-year revenue CAGR	2.7%	9.4%	MRK
EPS Growth (YoY) Year-over-year EPS growth	90.5%	8.0%	JNJ
EPS Growth (3Y) 3-year EPS CAGR	17.9%	8.4%	JNJ
EPS Growth (5Y) 5-year EPS CAGR	14.9%	21.2%	MRK

Balance Sheet & Risk

Compare financial stability and debt levels

JNJ: 2MRK: 3

Metric	JNJ	MRK	Winner
Debt/Equity Debt to equity ratio	0.58	1.29	JNJ
Current Ratio Current assets to current liabilities	1.09	1.32	MRK
Quick Ratio Quick assets to current liabilities	0.81	1.10	MRK
Interest Coverage EBIT to interest expense	25.94	8.75	JNJ
Beta Stock volatility vs market	0.23	0.21	MRK

Summary

JNJ wins 3-1

Valuation

JNJ

Profitability

JNJ

Growth

JNJ

Balance Sheet

MRK

JNJ is more attractively valued. JNJ shows stronger profitability. JNJ demonstrates better growth. MRK has a stronger balance sheet.

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