Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)
A side-by-side comparison of Keurig Dr Pepper 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.
Different business models: KDP is classified in Consumer Defensive; MRK is classified in Healthcare. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
KDP
Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.
$31.58Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$144.84HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
Total return — KDP vs MRK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yKDP +227.4% (+12.6%/yr)MRK +224.4% (+12.5%/yr)KDP compounded faster over this window
KDP MRK
KDP vs MRK: by the numbers
- •MRK is the larger company ($357.73B vs $42.97B market cap).
- •KDP trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (31.77 vs 115.87 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •KDP converts more revenue to profit (7.10% vs 4.78% net margin).
- •KDP grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.52% vs 7.87% CAGR).
- •KDP pays the higher dividend yield (2.93% vs 2.33%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | KDP | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 31.77 | 115.87 |
| Forward P/E | 13.78 | 52.74 |
| P/S ratio | 2.14 | 5.39 |
| P/B ratio | 1.72 | 8.53 |
| EV / EBITDA | 17.63 | 22.88 |
| FCF yield | 4.59% | 4.49% |
Profitability
| Metric | KDP | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 49.39% | 75.38% |
| Operating margin | 16.82% | 36.17% |
| Net margin | 7.10% | 4.78% |
| ROE | 5.70% | 7.57% |
| ROIC | 3.36% | 5.80% |
Dividends
| Metric | KDP | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.93% | 2.33% |
| Payout ratio | 92.56% | 268.80% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | KDP | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 10.52% | 7.87% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 10.23% | 21.21% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -1.17% | 23.61% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 0.54% | 18.01% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, KDP or MRK?
- KDP has the lower trailing P/E: KDP trades at 31.77 and MRK at 115.87. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, KDP or MRK?
- Over the past five years, KDP grew revenue faster — KDP at a 10.52% CAGR versus MRK at 7.87%.
- Does KDP or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
- KDP yields 2.93% and MRK yields 2.33% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is KDP or MRK more profitable?
- KDP runs the higher net margin — KDP at 7.10% versus MRK at 4.78%.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Keurig Dr Pepper P/E ratioMerck P/E ratioKeurig Dr Pepper dividend yieldMerck dividend yieldKeurig Dr Pepper ROEMerck ROEKeurig Dr Pepper operating marginMerck operating marginKeurig Dr Pepper revenue growthMerck revenue growthKeurig Dr Pepper free cash flowMerck free cash flow
Keurig Dr Pepper & 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.