Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

A side-by-side comparison of Broadcom Inc. and Merck & Co., Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare
Different business models: AVGO is classified in Technology; MRK is classified in Healthcare. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnAVGO vs MRK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AVGO +2580.2% (+38.9%/yr)MRK +226.1% (+12.5%/yr)AVGO compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $10020182020202220242026$2,680$326
AVGO MRK

AVGO vs MRK: by the numbers

  • AVGO is the larger company ($1.72T vs $355.49B market cap).
  • AVGO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (46.23 vs 115.15 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AVGO converts more revenue to profit (42.94% vs 4.78% net margin).
  • AVGO grew revenue faster over the past five years (27.42% vs 7.87% CAGR).
  • MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.32% vs 0.70%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAVGOMRK
P/E ratio46.23115.15
Forward P/E31.1752.41
P/S ratio19.335.35
P/B ratio17.288.48
EV / EBITDA33.9522.76
FCF yield2.29%4.52%

Profitability

MetricAVGOMRK
Gross margin67.66%75.38%
Operating margin39.89%36.17%
Net margin42.94%4.78%
ROE38.38%7.57%
ROIC23.99%5.80%

Dividends

MetricAVGOMRK
Dividend yield0.70%2.32%
Payout ratio32.44%268.80%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAVGOMRK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)27.42%7.87%
EPS CAGR (5Y)49.36%21.21%
FCF CAGR (5Y)24.60%23.61%
Total return CAGR (5Y)51.41%18.15%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AVGO or MRK?
AVGO has the lower trailing P/E: AVGO trades at 46.23 and MRK at 115.15. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AVGO or MRK?
Over the past five years, AVGO grew revenue faster — AVGO at a 27.42% CAGR versus MRK at 7.87%.
Does AVGO or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
AVGO yields 0.70% and MRK yields 2.32% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AVGO or MRK more profitable?
AVGO runs the higher net margin — AVGO at 42.94% versus MRK at 4.78%.
How have AVGO and MRK total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AVGO delivered 39.97% and MRK delivered 12.68% 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 10, 2026.