Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)
A side-by-side comparison of Monster Beverage Corporation 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: MNST is classified in Consumer Defensive; MRK is classified in Healthcare. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
MNST
Monster Beverage Corporation
$97.74Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$131.84HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
Total return — MNST vs MRK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yMNST +457491.3%MRK +990.2%MNST compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
MNST MRK
MNST vs MRK: by the numbers
- •MRK is the larger company ($325.61B vs $95.59B market cap).
- •MRK trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (36.83 vs 46.05 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MNST converts more revenue to profit (23.11% vs 13.62% net margin).
- •MNST grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.96% vs 8.60% CAGR).
- •MRK pays a dividend (2.57% yield), while MNST is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MNST | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 46.05 | 36.83 |
| Forward P/E | 41.41 | 47.09 |
| P/S ratio | 10.71 | 4.93 |
| P/B ratio | 10.80 | 7.05 |
| PEG ratio | 1.31 | 1.81 |
| EV / EBITDA | 34.17 | 15.16 |
| FCF yield | 2.20% | 4.37% |
Profitability
| Metric | MNST | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 55.47% | 75.91% |
| Operating margin | 29.34% | 36.17% |
| Net margin | 23.11% | 13.62% |
| ROE | 23.28% | 19.48% |
| ROIC | 21.74% | 18.27% |
Dividends
| Metric | MNST | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 2.57% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 46.03% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MNST | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 12.96% | 8.60% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 7.95% | 21.21% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 10.53% | 15.69% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 14.91% | 14.44% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MNST or MRK?
- MRK has the lower trailing P/E: MNST trades at 46.05 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, MNST or MRK?
- Over the past five years, MNST grew revenue faster — MNST at a 12.96% CAGR versus MRK at 8.60%.
- Does MNST or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
- MRK pays a dividend (2.57% yield), while MNST is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
- Is MNST or MRK more profitable?
- MNST runs the higher net margin — MNST at 23.11% versus MRK at 13.62%.
- How have MNST and MRK total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MNST delivered 13.77% and MRK delivered 12.27% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Monster Beverage P/E ratioMerck & P/E ratioMonster Beverage dividend yieldMerck & dividend yieldMonster Beverage ROEMerck & ROEMonster Beverage operating marginMerck & operating marginMonster Beverage revenue growthMerck & revenue growthMonster Beverage free cash flowMerck & free cash flow
Monster Beverage & 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 July 28, 2026.