Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)
A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and Merck & Co., Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: AAPL is classified in Technology; MRK is classified in Healthcare. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
AAPL
Apple Inc.
$340.08TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$131.84HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
Total return — AAPL vs MRK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yAAPL +202236.7%MRK +990.2%AAPL compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
AAPL MRK
AAPL vs MRK: by the numbers
- •AAPL is the larger company ($4.99T vs $325.61B market cap).
- •MRK trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (36.83 vs 40.74 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •AAPL converts more revenue to profit (27.15% vs 13.62% net margin).
- •MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.60% vs 6.76% CAGR).
- •MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.57% vs 0.31%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAPL | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 40.74 | 36.83 |
| Forward P/E | 38.46 | 47.09 |
| P/S ratio | 11.02 | 4.93 |
| P/B ratio | 46.72 | 7.05 |
| PEG ratio | 1.51 | 1.81 |
| EV / EBITDA | 31.40 | 15.16 |
| FCF yield | 2.60% | 4.37% |
Profitability
| Metric | AAPL | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 47.86% | 75.91% |
| Operating margin | 32.64% | 36.17% |
| Net margin | 27.15% | 13.62% |
| ROE | 115.10% | 19.48% |
| ROIC | 51.97% | 18.27% |
Dividends
| Metric | AAPL | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.31% | 2.57% |
| Payout ratio | 14.02% | 46.03% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAPL | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.76% | 8.60% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.73% | 21.21% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.38% | 15.69% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 18.69% | 14.44% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or MRK?
- MRK has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 40.74 and MRK at 36.83. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AAPL or MRK?
- Over the past five years, MRK grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.76% CAGR versus MRK at 8.60%.
- Does AAPL or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
- AAPL yields 0.31% and MRK yields 2.57% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AAPL or MRK more profitable?
- AAPL runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.15% versus MRK at 13.62%.
- How have AAPL and MRK total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.55% and MRK delivered 12.27% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Apple P/E ratioMerck & P/E ratioApple dividend yieldMerck & dividend yieldApple ROEMerck & ROEApple operating marginMerck & operating marginApple revenue growthMerck & revenue growthApple free cash flowMerck & free cash flow
Apple & Merck & appear in these rankings
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Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 28, 2026.