Intel Corporation (INTC) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

MRK leads on 11 of 13 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Intel Corporation and Merck & Co., Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — INTC vs MRK

growth of $100 · last 30y
INTC +1284.1%MRK +292.5%INTC compounded faster
05001k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,384$393
INTC MRK

INTC vs MRK: by the numbers

  • INTC is the larger company ($626.09B vs $294.03B market cap).
  • MRK is profitable (13.62% net margin) while INTC runs a net loss (-5.90%).
  • MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.60% vs -7.10% CAGR).
  • MRK pays a dividend (3.50% yield) while INTC does not currently pay one.

Which is better, INTC or MRK?

Metric tally: INTC 2 · MRK 11

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthMRK(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityMRK(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricINTCMRK
P/E ratio33.54
Forward P/E80.8112.35
P/S ratio11.784.49
P/B ratio5.686.41
PEG ratio1.81
EV / EBITDA57.9719.58
FCF yield4.80%

Profitability

MetricINTCMRK
Gross margin35.43%75.91%
Operating margin-9.45%27.59%
Net margin-5.90%13.62%
ROE-2.85%19.48%
ROIC0.00%18.27%

Dividends

MetricINTCMRK
Dividend yield3.50%
Payout ratio57.12%

Growth (annualized)

MetricINTCMRK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)-7.10%8.60%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-23.79%21.21%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-3.22%15.69%
Total return CAGR (5Y)18.67%12.79%

Frequently asked

Which is better, INTC or MRK?
It depends on your goal. growth: MRK (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: MRK (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, MRK leads 11 to 2.
Which has grown faster, INTC or MRK?
Over the past five years, MRK grew revenue faster — INTC at a -7.10% CAGR versus MRK at 8.60%.
Does INTC or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
MRK pays a dividend (3.50% yield) while INTC does not currently pay one.
Is INTC or MRK more profitable?
MRK runs the higher net margin — INTC at -5.90% versus MRK at 13.62%.
Which has been the better investment, INTC or MRK?
Over the past 10-year, INTC delivered the higher annualized total return — INTC at 17.06% versus MRK at 11.57%. 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 June 15, 2026.