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 September 13, 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
$44.20Consumer 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 — MNST vs MRK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMNST +255.7% (+13.5%/yr)MRK +226.9% (+12.6%/yr)MNST compounded faster over this window
MNST MRK
MNST vs MRK: by the numbers
- •MRK is the larger company ($357.73B vs $86.46B market cap).
- •MNST trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (40.74 vs 115.87 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MNST converts more revenue to profit (23.08% vs 4.78% net margin).
- •MNST grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.36% vs 7.87% CAGR).
- •MRK pays a dividend (2.33% yield), while MNST is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MNST | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 40.74 | 115.87 |
| Forward P/E | 38.09 | 52.74 |
| P/S ratio | 9.38 | 5.39 |
| P/B ratio | 9.23 | 8.53 |
| EV / EBITDA | 29.15 | 22.88 |
| FCF yield | 2.43% | 4.49% |
Profitability
| Metric | MNST | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 55.55% | 75.38% |
| Operating margin | 29.16% | 36.17% |
| Net margin | 23.08% | 4.78% |
| ROE | 22.72% | 7.57% |
| ROIC | 21.32% | 5.80% |
Dividends
| Metric | MNST | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 2.33% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 268.80% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MNST | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 12.36% | 7.87% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 7.95% | 21.21% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.93% | 23.61% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 12.59% | 18.01% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MNST or MRK?
- MNST has the lower trailing P/E: MNST trades at 40.74 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, MNST or MRK?
- Over the past five years, MNST grew revenue faster — MNST at a 12.36% CAGR versus MRK at 7.87%.
- Does MNST or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
- MRK pays a dividend (2.33% 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 23.08% versus MRK at 4.78%.
- How have MNST and MRK total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MNST delivered 13.43% and MRK delivered 12.62% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Monster Beverage P/E ratioMerck P/E ratioMerck 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 September 13, 2026.