Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) vs Netflix, Inc. (NFLX)
A side-by-side comparison of Merck & Co., Inc. and Netflix, 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: MRK is classified in Healthcare; NFLX is classified in Communication Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$131.84HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
NFLX
Netflix, Inc.
$72.39Communication ServicesDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MRK vs NFLX
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 24yMRK +470.1%NFLX +58743.2%NFLX compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
MRK NFLX
MRK vs NFLX: by the numbers
- •MRK is the larger company ($325.61B vs $301.43B market cap).
- •NFLX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.14 vs 36.83 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •NFLX converts more revenue to profit (28.22% vs 13.62% net margin).
- •NFLX grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.89% vs 8.60% CAGR).
- •MRK pays a dividend (2.57% yield), while NFLX has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MRK | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 36.83 | 22.14 |
| Forward P/E | 47.09 | 19.58 |
| P/S ratio | 4.93 | 6.20 |
| P/B ratio | 7.05 | 9.95 |
| PEG ratio | 1.81 | 1.34 |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.16 | 11.05 |
| FCF yield | 4.37% | 3.66% |
Profitability
| Metric | MRK | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 75.91% | 49.12% |
| Operating margin | 36.17% | 29.68% |
| Net margin | 13.62% | 28.22% |
| ROE | 19.48% | 45.27% |
| ROIC | 18.27% | 25.22% |
Dividends
| Metric | MRK | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.57% | N/A |
| Payout ratio | 46.03% | N/A |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MRK | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.60% | 11.89% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 21.21% | 32.58% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 15.69% | 51.23% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 14.44% | 6.29% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MRK or NFLX?
- NFLX has the lower trailing P/E: MRK trades at 36.83 and NFLX at 22.14. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, MRK or NFLX?
- Over the past five years, NFLX grew revenue faster — MRK at a 8.60% CAGR versus NFLX at 11.89%.
- Does MRK or NFLX pay a bigger dividend?
- MRK pays a dividend (2.57% yield), while NFLX has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is MRK or NFLX more profitable?
- NFLX runs the higher net margin — MRK at 13.62% versus NFLX at 28.22%.
- How have MRK and NFLX total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MRK delivered 12.27% and NFLX delivered 22.57% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Merck & P/E ratioNetflix P/E ratioMerck & dividend yieldNetflix dividend yieldMerck & ROENetflix ROEMerck & operating marginNetflix operating marginMerck & revenue growthNetflix revenue growthMerck & free cash flowNetflix free cash flow
Merck & & Netflix 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.