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.
ABBV
AbbVie Inc.
$257.06HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$143.94HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — ABBV vs MRK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yABBV +507.0% (+19.8%/yr)MRK +226.1% (+12.5%/yr)ABBV compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | ABBV | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 72.43 | 115.15 |
| Forward P/E | 18.32 | 52.41 |
| P/S ratio | 7.05 | 5.35 |
| P/B ratio | N/A | 8.48 |
| EV / EBITDA | 19.34 | 22.76 |
| FCF yield | 3.99% | 4.52% |
Profitability
| Metric | ABBV | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 71.48% | 75.38% |
| Operating margin | 29.32% | 36.17% |
| Net margin | 9.81% | 4.78% |
| ROE | N/A | 7.57% |
| ROIC | 13.46% | 5.80% |
Dividends
| Metric | ABBV | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.68% | 2.32% |
| Payout ratio | 192.43% | 268.80% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ABBV | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
AbbVie P/E ratioMerck P/E ratioAbbVie dividend yieldMerck dividend yieldAbbVie ROEMerck ROEAbbVie operating marginMerck operating marginAbbVie revenue growthMerck revenue growthAbbVie free cash flowMerck free cash flow
AbbVie & Merck appear in these rankings
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.