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.
AMGN
Amgen Inc.
$393.10HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$131.84HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
Total return — AMGN vs MRK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yAMGN +3992.1%MRK +990.2%AMGN compounded faster
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
| Metric | AMGN | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 26.18 | 36.83 |
| Forward P/E | 16.84 | 47.09 |
| P/S ratio | 5.50 | 4.93 |
| P/B ratio | 22.27 | 7.05 |
| PEG ratio | 0.26 | 1.81 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.99 | 15.16 |
| FCF yield | 4.20% | 4.37% |
Profitability
| Metric | AMGN | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 71.46% | 75.91% |
| Operating margin | 31.63% | 36.17% |
| Net margin | 20.95% | 13.62% |
| ROE | 84.87% | 19.48% |
| ROIC | 13.16% | 18.27% |
Dividends
| Metric | AMGN | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.60% | 2.57% |
| Payout ratio | 68.39% | 46.03% |
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) | 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.
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 July 28, 2026.