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

Compare

Total returnAMGN vs MRK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
AMGN +3992.1%MRK +990.2%AMGN compounded faster
01k2k3k4kStart $100200120062011201620212026$4,092$1,090
AMGN MRK

AMGN vs MRK: by the numbers

  • MRK is the larger company ($325.61B vs $212.16B market cap).
  • AMGN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (26.18 vs 36.83 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • 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).
  • AMGN pays the higher dividend yield (2.60% vs 2.57%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAMGNMRK
P/E ratio26.1836.83
Forward P/E16.8447.09
P/S ratio5.504.93
P/B ratio22.277.05
PEG ratio0.261.81
EV / EBITDA14.9915.16
FCF yield4.20%4.37%

Profitability

MetricAMGNMRK
Gross margin71.46%75.91%
Operating margin31.63%36.17%
Net margin20.95%13.62%
ROE84.87%19.48%
ROIC13.16%18.27%

Dividends

MetricAMGNMRK
Dividend yield2.60%2.57%
Payout ratio68.39%46.03%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAMGNMRK
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)13.52%14.44%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AMGN or MRK?
AMGN has the lower trailing P/E: AMGN trades at 26.18 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, 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 2.60% and MRK yields 2.57% 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%.
How have AMGN and MRK total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AMGN delivered 11.95% 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.