Which stock is better: MRK or PFE?

The comparison between Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) and Pfizer Inc. (PFE) 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 PFE?

MRK has a P/E ratio of 120.42, while PFE has a P/E ratio of 38.40. A lower P/E ratio may indicate a more attractive valuation.

What is the market cap difference between MRK and PFE?

MRK has a market cap of approximately 371.3B, while PFE has a market cap of approximately 164.2B.

MRK vs PFE

Name: MRK Stock
Brand: Merck & Co., Inc.
Price: 150.34 USD
Availability: InStock

In the past 12 months, MRK returned +79% while PFE gained 16%.

Valuation Growth Profitability Balance Sheet Performance

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%

PFE

Pfizer Inc.

$28.81

15.1%(1M)

Market Cap164.2B

Healthcare

Drug Manufacturers - General

USA

P/E Ratio38.40

ROE4.9%

P/B Ratio1.94

Dividend Yield5.9%

Performance Comparison

Historical returns across multiple timeframes

MRK leads 8/8

MRK

Merck & Co., Inc.

+78.9%

1Y Return

PFE

Pfizer Inc.

+16.2%

1Y Return

MRK

PFE

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

MRK: 0PFE: 5

Metric	MRK	PFE	Winner
P/E Ratio Price to earnings ratio	120.42	38.40	PFE
Forward P/E Forward price to earnings ratio	0.00	0.00	Tie
P/S Ratio Price to sales ratio	5.64	2.60	PFE
P/B Ratio Price to book ratio	8.94	1.94	PFE
P/FCF Ratio Price to free cash flow ratio	23.33	15.08	PFE
EV/EBITDA Enterprise value to EBITDA	30.45	18.02	PFE
PEG Ratio Price/earnings to growth ratio	0.00	0.00	Tie

Profitability

Compare profit margins and returns on capital

MRK: 3PFE: 3

Metric	MRK	PFE	Winner
Gross Margin Gross profit margin	75.4%	71.3%	MRK
Operating Margin Operating profit margin	16.7%	25.1%	PFE
Net Margin Net profit margin	4.8%	6.8%	PFE
ROE Return on equity	6.6%	4.9%	MRK
ROA Return on assets	2.4%	2.2%	MRK
ROIC Return on invested capital	5.6%	9.3%	PFE

Growth

Compare revenue and earnings growth rates

MRK: 6PFE: 0

Metric	MRK	PFE	Winner
Revenue Growth (YoY) Year-over-year revenue growth	1.2%	-1.6%	MRK
Revenue Growth (3Y) 3-year revenue CAGR	3.1%	-14.6%	MRK
Revenue Growth (5Y) 5-year revenue CAGR	9.4%	8.5%	MRK
EPS Growth (YoY) Year-over-year EPS growth	8.0%	-3.5%	MRK
EPS Growth (3Y) 3-year EPS CAGR	8.4%	-37.1%	MRK
EPS Growth (5Y) 5-year EPS CAGR	21.2%	-3.5%	MRK

Balance Sheet & Risk

Compare financial stability and debt levels

MRK: 4PFE: 1

Metric	MRK	PFE	Winner
Debt/Equity Debt to equity ratio	1.29	0.74	PFE
Current Ratio Current assets to current liabilities	1.32	1.27	MRK
Quick Ratio Quick assets to current liabilities	1.10	0.96	MRK
Interest Coverage EBIT to interest expense	8.75	5.92	MRK
Beta Stock volatility vs market	0.21	0.28	MRK

Summary

MRK wins 2-1

Valuation

PFE

Profitability

Tie

Growth

MRK

Balance Sheet

MRK

PFE is more attractively valued. MRK demonstrates better growth. MRK has a stronger balance sheet.

Related Comparisons

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