Which stock is better: MRK or NVS?

The comparison between Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) and Novartis AG (NVS) 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 NVS?

MRK has a P/E ratio of 15.97, while NVS has a P/E ratio of 21.34. A lower P/E ratio may indicate a more attractive valuation.

What is the market cap difference between MRK and NVS?

MRK has a market cap of approximately 285.4B, while NVS has a market cap of approximately 299.4B.

MRK vs NVS

Name: MRK Stock
Brand: Merck & Co., Inc.
Price: 115.42 USD
Availability: InStock

In the past 12 months, NVS returned +38% while MRK gained 22%.

Valuation Growth Profitability Balance Sheet Performance

MRK

Merck & Co., Inc.

$115.42

-5.1%(1M)

Market Cap285.4B

Healthcare

Drug Manufacturers - General

USA

P/E Ratio15.97

ROE36.2%

P/B Ratio5.54

Dividend Yield2.8%

NVS

Novartis AG

$154.87

-6.8%(1M)

Market Cap299.4B

Healthcare

Drug Manufacturers - General

P/E Ratio21.34

ROE32.8%

P/B Ratio6.48

Dividend Yield3.0%

Performance Comparison

Historical returns across multiple timeframes

NVS leads 5/8

MRK

Merck & Co., Inc.

+21.8%

1Y Return

NVS

Novartis AG

+38.0%

1Y Return

MRK

NVS

Short Term

1M-6M

+18.2%

Medium Term

YTD-1Y

+24.9%

Long Term

3Y-10Y

+113.5%

Valuation

Compare price multiples and valuation ratios

MRK: 4NVS: 1

Metric	MRK	NVS	Winner
P/E Ratio Price to earnings ratio	15.97	21.34	MRK
Forward P/E Forward price to earnings ratio	0.00	0.00	Tie
P/S Ratio Price to sales ratio	4.45	5.30	MRK
P/B Ratio Price to book ratio	5.54	6.48	MRK
P/FCF Ratio Price to free cash flow ratio	23.42	17.78	NVS
EV/EBITDA Enterprise value to EBITDA	12.34	14.15	MRK
PEG Ratio Price/earnings to growth ratio	0.00	0.00	Tie

Profitability

Compare profit margins and returns on capital

MRK: 6NVS: 0

Metric	MRK	NVS	Winner
Gross Margin Gross profit margin	81.5%	75.7%	MRK
Operating Margin Operating profit margin	41.2%	31.2%	MRK
Net Margin Net profit margin	28.1%	24.9%	MRK
ROE Return on equity	36.2%	32.8%	MRK
ROA Return on assets	13.3%	12.1%	MRK
ROIC Return on invested capital	20.8%	16.0%	MRK

Growth

Compare revenue and earnings growth rates

MRK: 2NVS: 4

Metric	MRK	NVS	Winner
Revenue Growth (YoY) Year-over-year revenue growth	1.3%	6.0%	NVS
Revenue Growth (3Y) 3-year revenue CAGR	3.1%	8.0%	NVS
Revenue Growth (5Y) 5-year revenue CAGR	9.4%	1.9%	MRK
EPS Growth (YoY) Year-over-year EPS growth	8.0%	22.5%	NVS
EPS Growth (3Y) 3-year EPS CAGR	8.4%	31.4%	NVS
EPS Growth (5Y) 5-year EPS CAGR	21.2%	15.4%	MRK

Balance Sheet & Risk

Compare financial stability and debt levels

MRK: 4NVS: 1

Metric	MRK	NVS	Winner
Debt/Equity Debt to equity ratio	0.96	0.80	NVS
Current Ratio Current assets to current liabilities	1.54	1.12	MRK
Quick Ratio Quick assets to current liabilities	1.30	0.89	MRK
Interest Coverage EBIT to interest expense	28.34	15.13	MRK
Beta Stock volatility vs market	0.26	0.50	MRK

Summary

MRK wins 3-1

Valuation

MRK

Profitability

MRK

Growth

NVS

Balance Sheet

MRK

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

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