Amgen Inc. (AMGN) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

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 September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAMGN vs MRK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AMGN +197.8% (+11.5%/yr)MRK +226.9% (+12.6%/yr)MRK compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $10020182020202220242026$298$327
AMGN MRK

AMGN vs MRK: by the numbers

  • MRK is the larger company ($354.05B vs $202.99B market cap).
  • AMGN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (23.38 vs 114.68 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AMGN converts more revenue to profit (22.93% vs 4.78% net margin).
  • AMGN grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.39% vs 7.87% CAGR).
  • AMGN pays the higher dividend yield (2.63% vs 2.33%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAMGNMRK
P/E ratio23.38114.68
Forward P/E16.3052.20
P/S ratio5.325.33
P/B ratio17.378.44
EV / EBITDAN/A22.68
FCF yield5.01%4.54%

Profitability

MetricAMGNMRK
Gross margin72.65%75.38%
Operating margin33.18%36.17%
Net margin22.93%4.78%
ROE74.80%7.57%
ROIC14.22%5.80%

Dividends

MetricAMGNMRK
Dividend yield2.63%2.33%
Payout ratio61.78%268.80%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAMGNMRK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.39%7.87%
EPS CAGR (5Y)2.94%21.21%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-3.91%23.61%
Total return CAGR (5Y)15.58%18.01%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AMGN or MRK?
AMGN has the lower trailing P/E: AMGN trades at 23.38 and MRK at 114.68. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AMGN or MRK?
Over the past five years, AMGN grew revenue faster — AMGN at a 8.39% CAGR versus MRK at 7.87%.
Does AMGN or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
AMGN yields 2.63% and MRK yields 2.33% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AMGN or MRK more profitable?
AMGN runs the higher net margin — AMGN at 22.93% versus MRK at 4.78%.
How have AMGN and MRK total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AMGN delivered 11.80% and MRK delivered 12.62% 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 13, 2026.