AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

A side-by-side comparison of AbbVie Inc. and Merck & Co., Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnABBV vs MRK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ABBV +507.0% (+19.8%/yr)MRK +226.1% (+12.5%/yr)ABBV compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$607$326
ABBV MRK

ABBV vs MRK: by the numbers

  • ABBV is the larger company ($454.17B vs $355.49B market cap).
  • ABBV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (72.43 vs 115.15 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ABBV converts more revenue to profit (9.81% vs 4.78% net margin).
  • MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.87% vs 3.69% CAGR).
  • ABBV pays the higher dividend yield (2.68% vs 2.32%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricABBVMRK
P/E ratio72.43115.15
Forward P/E18.3252.41
P/S ratio7.055.35
P/B ratioN/A8.48
EV / EBITDA19.3422.76
FCF yield3.99%4.52%

Profitability

MetricABBVMRK
Gross margin71.48%75.38%
Operating margin29.32%36.17%
Net margin9.81%4.78%
ROEN/A7.57%
ROIC13.46%5.80%

Dividends

MetricABBVMRK
Dividend yield2.68%2.32%
Payout ratio192.43%268.80%

Growth (annualized)

MetricABBVMRK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.69%7.87%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-2.79%21.21%
FCF CAGR (5Y)0.11%23.61%
Total return CAGR (5Y)23.51%18.15%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ABBV or MRK?
ABBV has the lower trailing P/E: ABBV trades at 72.43 and MRK at 115.15. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ABBV or MRK?
Over the past five years, MRK grew revenue faster — ABBV at a 3.69% CAGR versus MRK at 7.87%.
Does ABBV or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
ABBV yields 2.68% and MRK yields 2.32% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ABBV or MRK more profitable?
ABBV runs the higher net margin — ABBV at 9.81% versus MRK at 4.78%.
How have ABBV and MRK total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ABBV delivered 19.76% and MRK delivered 12.68% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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 September 10, 2026.