Which stock is better: MRK or NVO?

The comparison between Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) and Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) 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 MRK vs NVO?

MRK has a P/E ratio of 115.85, while NVO has a P/E ratio of 9.90. A lower P/E ratio may indicate a more attractive valuation.

What is the market cap difference between MRK and NVO?

MRK has a market cap of approximately 354.5B, while NVO has a market cap of approximately 171.4B.

MRK vs NVO

Name: MRK Stock
Brand: Merck & Co., Inc.
Price: 143.67 USD
Availability: InStock

In the past 12 months, MRK returned +66% while NVO lost 31%.

Valuation Growth Profitability Balance Sheet Performance

MRK

Merck & Co., Inc.

$143.67

-2.2%(1M)

Market Cap354.5B

Healthcare

Drug Manufacturers - General

USA

P/E Ratio115.85

ROE6.6%

P/B Ratio8.60

Dividend Yield2.3%

NVO

Novo Nordisk A/S

$38.83

-6.9%(1M)

Market Cap171.4B

Healthcare

Drug Manufacturers - General

P/E Ratio9.90

ROE59.1%

P/B Ratio5.20

Dividend Yield4.5%

Performance Comparison

Historical returns across multiple timeframes

MRK leads 8/8

MRK

Merck & Co., Inc.

+66.4%

1Y Return

NVO

Novo Nordisk A/S

-30.8%

1Y Return

MRK

NVO

Short Term

1M-6M

+10.4%

Medium Term

YTD-1Y

+51.5%

Long Term

3Y-10Y

+89.1%

Valuation

Compare price multiples and valuation ratios

MRK: 1NVO: 4

Metric	MRK	NVO	Winner
P/E Ratio Price to earnings ratio	115.85	9.90	NVO
Forward P/E Forward price to earnings ratio	0.00	0.00	Tie
P/S Ratio Price to sales ratio	5.42	3.48	NVO
P/B Ratio Price to book ratio	8.60	5.20	NVO
P/FCF Ratio Price to free cash flow ratio	22.42	23.42	MRK
EV/EBITDA Enterprise value to EBITDA	29.24	6.99	NVO
PEG Ratio Price/earnings to growth ratio	0.00	0.00	Tie

Profitability

Compare profit margins and returns on capital

MRK: 0NVO: 6

Metric	MRK	NVO	Winner
Gross Margin Gross profit margin	75.4%	80.6%	NVO
Operating Margin Operating profit margin	16.7%	43.1%	NVO
Net Margin Net profit margin	4.8%	35.3%	NVO
ROE Return on equity	6.6%	59.1%	NVO
ROA Return on assets	2.4%	19.6%	NVO
ROIC Return on invested capital	5.6%	29.7%	NVO

Growth

Compare revenue and earnings growth rates

MRK: 2NVO: 4

Metric	MRK	NVO	Winner
Revenue Growth (YoY) Year-over-year revenue growth	1.2%	6.4%	NVO
Revenue Growth (3Y) 3-year revenue CAGR	3.1%	20.4%	NVO
Revenue Growth (5Y) 5-year revenue CAGR	9.4%	19.5%	NVO
EPS Growth (YoY) Year-over-year EPS growth	8.0%	1.8%	MRK
EPS Growth (3Y) 3-year EPS CAGR	8.4%	23.5%	NVO
EPS Growth (5Y) 5-year EPS CAGR	21.2%	20.7%	MRK

Balance Sheet & Risk

Compare financial stability and debt levels

MRK: 3NVO: 2

Metric	MRK	NVO	Winner
Debt/Equity Debt to equity ratio	1.29	0.63	NVO
Current Ratio Current assets to current liabilities	1.32	0.87	MRK
Quick Ratio Quick assets to current liabilities	1.10	0.66	MRK
Interest Coverage EBIT to interest expense	8.75	86.86	NVO
Beta Stock volatility vs market	0.22	0.35	MRK

Summary

NVO wins 3-1

Valuation

NVO

Profitability

NVO

Growth

NVO

Balance Sheet

MRK

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

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