Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)
A side-by-side comparison of Gilead Sciences, 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.
GILD
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
$144.81HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 10:35 AM EDT
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$143.54HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 10:35 AM EDT
Total return — GILD vs MRK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yGILD +159.4% (+10.0%/yr)MRK +226.9% (+12.6%/yr)MRK compounded faster over this window
GILD MRK
GILD vs MRK: by the numbers
- •MRK is the larger company ($354.52B vs $179.79B market cap).
- •MRK is profitable (4.78% net margin) while GILD runs a net loss (-10.64%).
- •MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.87% vs 2.72% CAGR).
- •MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.33% vs 2.24%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | GILD | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | N/A | 114.83 |
| Forward P/E | N/A | 52.27 |
| P/S ratio | 5.90 | 5.34 |
| P/B ratio | 15.20 | 8.45 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 22.70 |
| FCF yield | 7.21% | 4.53% |
Profitability
| Metric | GILD | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 79.59% | 75.38% |
| Operating margin | 39.74% | 36.17% |
| Net margin | -10.64% | 4.78% |
| ROE | -27.39% | 7.57% |
| ROIC | -3.66% | 5.80% |
Dividends
| Metric | GILD | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.24% | 2.33% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 268.80% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | GILD | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 2.72% | 7.87% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 133.83% | 21.21% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 9.27% | 23.61% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 19.41% | 18.01% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, GILD or MRK?
- Over the past five years, MRK grew revenue faster — GILD at a 2.72% CAGR versus MRK at 7.87%.
- Does GILD or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
- GILD yields 2.24% and MRK yields 2.33% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is GILD or MRK more profitable?
- MRK runs the higher net margin — GILD at -10.64% versus MRK at 4.78%.
- How have GILD and MRK total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, GILD delivered 10.13% and MRK delivered 12.62% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Merck P/E ratioGilead Sciences dividend yieldMerck dividend yieldGilead Sciences ROEMerck ROEGilead Sciences operating marginMerck operating marginGilead Sciences revenue growthMerck revenue growthGilead Sciences free cash flowMerck free cash flow
Gilead Sciences & 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 September 13, 2026.