Amgen Inc. (AMGN) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)
MRK leads on 10 of 16 compared metrics, though AMGN is the cheaper stock.
A side-by-side comparison of Amgen Inc. and Merck & Co., Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
Total return — AMGN vs MRK
growth of $100 · last 30yAMGN +2282.3%MRK +287.9%AMGN compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
AMGN MRK
AMGN vs MRK: by the numbers
- •MRK is the larger company ($294.03B vs $191.70B market cap).
- •AMGN trades at the lower earnings multiple (24.72 vs 33.54 P/E).
- •AMGN converts more revenue to profit (20.95% vs 13.62% net margin).
- •MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.60% vs 8.15% CAGR).
- •MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.79% vs 2.76%).
Which is better, AMGN or MRK?
Metric tally: AMGN 6 · MRK 10It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueAMGN(lower P/E)
GrowthMRK(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityMRK(higher ROIC)
Valuation
| Metric | AMGN | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 24.72● | 33.54 |
| Forward P/E | 15.15 | 12.35● |
| P/S ratio | 5.19 | 4.49● |
| P/B ratio | 21.03 | 6.41● |
| PEG ratio | 0.26● | 1.81 |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.32● | 19.58 |
| FCF yield | 4.45% | 4.80%● |
Profitability
| Metric | AMGN | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 71.46% | 75.91%● |
| Operating margin | 31.63%● | 27.59% |
| Net margin | 20.95%● | 13.62% |
| ROE | 84.87%● | 19.48% |
| ROIC | 13.16% | 18.27%● |
Dividends
| Metric | AMGN | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.76% | 2.79% |
| Payout ratio | 68.39% | 45.48% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AMGN | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.15% | 8.60%● |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 2.94% | 21.21%● |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -2.66% | 15.69%● |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 11.36% | 12.79%● |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, AMGN or MRK?
- It depends on your goal. value: AMGN (lower P/E); growth: MRK (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: MRK (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, MRK leads 10 to 6.
- Is AMGN or MRK cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, AMGN is cheaper: AMGN trades at a 24.72 P/E and MRK at 33.54.
- Which has grown faster, AMGN or MRK?
- Over the past five years, MRK grew revenue faster — AMGN at a 8.15% CAGR versus MRK at 8.60%.
- Does AMGN or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
- AMGN yields 2.76% and MRK yields 2.79% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AMGN or MRK more profitable?
- AMGN runs the higher net margin — AMGN at 20.95% versus MRK at 13.62%.
- Which has been the better investment, AMGN or MRK?
- Over the past 10-year, AMGN delivered the higher annualized total return — AMGN at 11.94% versus MRK at 11.57%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Amgen P/E ratioMerck & P/E ratioAmgen dividend yieldMerck & dividend yieldAmgen ROEMerck & ROEAmgen operating marginMerck & operating marginAmgen revenue growthMerck & revenue growthAmgen free cash flowMerck & free cash flow
Amgen & 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 June 13, 2026.