Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) vs Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO)
A side-by-side comparison of Merck & Co., Inc. and Novo Nordisk A/S 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.
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$143.54HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 10:35 AM EDT
NVO
Novo Nordisk A/S
$42.60HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 10:30 AM EDT
Total return — MRK vs NVO
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMRK +226.9% (+12.6%/yr)NVO +135.8% (+9.0%/yr)MRK compounded faster over this window
MRK NVO
MRK vs NVO: by the numbers
- •MRK is the larger company ($354.52B vs $189.15B market cap).
- •NVO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (10.50 vs 114.83 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •NVO converts more revenue to profit (35.33% vs 4.78% net margin).
- •NVO grew revenue faster over the past five years (19.76% vs 7.87% CAGR).
- •NVO pays the higher dividend yield (4.17% vs 2.33%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MRK | NVO |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 114.83 | 10.50 |
| Forward P/E | 52.27 | N/A |
| P/S ratio | 5.34 | 3.70 |
| P/B ratio | 8.45 | 5.61 |
| EV / EBITDA | 22.70 | 7.77 |
| FCF yield | 4.53% | 3.94% |
Profitability
| Metric | MRK | NVO |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 75.38% | 80.64% |
| Operating margin | 36.17% | 43.10% |
| Net margin | 4.78% | 35.33% |
| ROE | 7.57% | 53.50% |
| ROIC | 5.80% | 30.21% |
Dividends
| Metric | MRK | NVO |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.33% | 4.17% |
| Payout ratio | 268.80% | 44.27% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MRK | NVO |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 7.87% | 19.76% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 21.21% | 19.59% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 23.61% | -1.45% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 18.01% | -0.65% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MRK or NVO?
- NVO has the lower trailing P/E: MRK trades at 114.83 and NVO at 10.50. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, MRK or NVO?
- Over the past five years, NVO grew revenue faster — MRK at a 7.87% CAGR versus NVO at 19.76%.
- Does MRK or NVO pay a bigger dividend?
- MRK yields 2.33% and NVO yields 4.17% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MRK or NVO more profitable?
- NVO runs the higher net margin — MRK at 4.78% versus NVO at 35.33%.
- How have MRK and NVO total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MRK delivered 12.62% and NVO delivered 9.46% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Merck P/E ratioNovo Nordisk A/S P/E ratioMerck dividend yieldNovo Nordisk A/S dividend yieldMerck ROENovo Nordisk A/S ROEMerck operating marginNovo Nordisk A/S operating marginMerck revenue growthNovo Nordisk A/S revenue growthMerck free cash flowNovo Nordisk A/S free cash flow
Merck & Novo Nordisk A/S 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.