Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)
A side-by-side comparison of Alphabet 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.
Different business models: GOOGL is classified in Communication Services; MRK is classified in Healthcare. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
GOOGL
Alphabet Inc.
$333.71Communication ServicesDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$131.84HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
Total return — GOOGL vs MRK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 22yGOOGL +13026.4%MRK +560.6%GOOGL compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
GOOGL MRK
GOOGL vs MRK: by the numbers
- •GOOGL is the larger company ($4.04T vs $325.61B market cap).
- •GOOGL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.40 vs 36.83 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •GOOGL converts more revenue to profit (54.76% vs 13.62% net margin).
- •GOOGL grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.15% vs 8.60% CAGR).
- •MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.57% vs 0.26%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | GOOGL | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 16.40 | 36.83 |
| Forward P/E | 16.71 | 47.09 |
| P/S ratio | 9.01 | 4.93 |
| P/B ratio | 6.28 | 7.05 |
| PEG ratio | 0.84 | 1.81 |
| EV / EBITDA | 23.57 | 15.16 |
| FCF yield | 1.05% | 4.37% |
Profitability
| Metric | GOOGL | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 60.90% | 75.91% |
| Operating margin | 33.12% | 36.17% |
| Net margin | 54.76% | 13.62% |
| ROE | 38.13% | 19.48% |
| ROIC | 21.82% | 18.27% |
Dividends
| Metric | GOOGL | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.26% | 2.57% |
| Payout ratio | 7.79% | 46.03% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | GOOGL | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 15.15% | 8.60% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 29.81% | 21.21% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 11.33% | 15.69% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 20.10% | 14.44% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, GOOGL or MRK?
- GOOGL has the lower trailing P/E: GOOGL trades at 16.40 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, GOOGL or MRK?
- Over the past five years, GOOGL grew revenue faster — GOOGL at a 15.15% CAGR versus MRK at 8.60%.
- Does GOOGL or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
- GOOGL yields 0.26% and MRK yields 2.57% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is GOOGL or MRK more profitable?
- GOOGL runs the higher net margin — GOOGL at 54.76% versus MRK at 13.62%.
- How have GOOGL and MRK total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, GOOGL delivered 24.08% and MRK delivered 12.27% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Alphabet P/E ratioMerck & P/E ratioAlphabet dividend yieldMerck & dividend yieldAlphabet ROEMerck & ROEAlphabet operating marginMerck & operating marginAlphabet revenue growthMerck & revenue growthAlphabet free cash flowMerck & free cash flow
Alphabet & Merck & appear in these rankings
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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.