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.

Compare

Total returnGILD vs MRK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
GILD +159.4% (+10.0%/yr)MRK +226.9% (+12.6%/yr)MRK compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $10020182020202220242026$259$327
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

MetricGILDMRK
P/E ratioN/A114.83
Forward P/EN/A52.27
P/S ratio5.905.34
P/B ratio15.208.45
EV / EBITDAN/A22.70
FCF yield7.21%4.53%

Profitability

MetricGILDMRK
Gross margin79.59%75.38%
Operating margin39.74%36.17%
Net margin-10.64%4.78%
ROE-27.39%7.57%
ROIC-3.66%5.80%

Dividends

MetricGILDMRK
Dividend yield2.24%2.33%
Payout ratioN/A268.80%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGILDMRK
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.

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.