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 July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnABBV vs MRK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 14y
ABBV +1164.7%MRK +375.8%ABBV compounded faster
05001kStart $1002015201820212024$1,265$476
ABBV MRK

ABBV vs MRK: by the numbers

  • ABBV is the larger company ($465.51B vs $325.61B market cap).
  • MRK trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (36.83 vs 125.98 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MRK converts more revenue to profit (13.62% vs 5.79% net margin).
  • MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.60% vs 4.59% CAGR).
  • ABBV pays the higher dividend yield (2.62% vs 2.57%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricABBVMRK
P/E ratio125.9836.83
Forward P/EN/A47.09
P/S ratio7.264.93
P/B ratio16.577.05
PEG ratioN/A1.81
EV / EBITDA20.4615.16
FCF yield4.58%4.37%

Profitability

MetricABBVMRK
Gross margin70.68%75.91%
Operating margin27.60%36.17%
Net margin5.79%13.62%
ROE13.23%19.48%
ROIC12.97%18.27%

Dividends

MetricABBVMRK
Dividend yield2.62%2.57%
Payout ratio284.39%46.03%

Growth (annualized)

MetricABBVMRK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.59%8.60%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-2.79%21.21%
FCF CAGR (5Y)3.24%15.69%
Total return CAGR (5Y)21.24%14.44%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ABBV or MRK?
MRK has the lower trailing P/E: ABBV trades at 125.98 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, ABBV or MRK?
Over the past five years, MRK grew revenue faster — ABBV at a 4.59% CAGR versus MRK at 8.60%.
Does ABBV or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
ABBV yields 2.62% and MRK yields 2.57% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ABBV or MRK more profitable?
MRK runs the higher net margin — ABBV at 5.79% versus MRK at 13.62%.
How have ABBV and MRK total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ABBV delivered 19.57% and MRK delivered 12.27% 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 July 28, 2026.