Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) vs Constellation Brands, Inc. (STZ)
A side-by-side comparison of Merck & Co., Inc. and Constellation Brands, 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: MRK is classified in Healthcare; STZ is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$144.84HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
STZ
Constellation Brands, Inc.
$125.00Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MRK vs STZ
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMRK +226.9% (+12.6%/yr)STZ -12.5% (-1.3%/yr)MRK compounded faster over this window
MRK STZ
MRK vs STZ: by the numbers
- •MRK is the larger company ($357.73B vs $21.35B market cap).
- •STZ trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (11.93 vs 115.87 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •STZ converts more revenue to profit (20.14% vs 4.78% net margin).
- •MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.87% vs 0.86% CAGR).
- •STZ pays the higher dividend yield (3.35% vs 2.33%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MRK | STZ |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 115.87 | 11.93 |
| Forward P/E | 52.74 | 10.59 |
| P/S ratio | 5.39 | 2.36 |
| P/B ratio | 8.53 | 2.59 |
| EV / EBITDA | 22.88 | 9.57 |
| FCF yield | 4.49% | 8.59% |
Profitability
| Metric | MRK | STZ |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 75.38% | 52.62% |
| Operating margin | 36.17% | 32.14% |
| Net margin | 4.78% | 20.14% |
| ROE | 7.57% | 22.10% |
| ROIC | 5.80% | 10.85% |
Dividends
| Metric | MRK | STZ |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.33% | 3.35% |
| Payout ratio | 268.80% | 39.12% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MRK | STZ |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 7.87% | 0.86% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 21.21% | -1.59% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 23.61% | -1.73% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 18.01% | -8.87% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MRK or STZ?
- STZ has the lower trailing P/E: MRK trades at 115.87 and STZ at 11.93. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, MRK or STZ?
- Over the past five years, MRK grew revenue faster — MRK at a 7.87% CAGR versus STZ at 0.86%.
- Does MRK or STZ pay a bigger dividend?
- MRK yields 2.33% and STZ yields 3.35% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MRK or STZ more profitable?
- STZ runs the higher net margin — MRK at 4.78% versus STZ at 20.14%.
- How have MRK and STZ total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MRK delivered 12.62% and STZ delivered -1.19% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Merck P/E ratioConstellation Brands P/E ratioMerck dividend yieldConstellation Brands dividend yieldMerck ROEConstellation Brands ROEMerck operating marginConstellation Brands operating marginMerck revenue growthConstellation Brands revenue growthMerck free cash flowConstellation Brands free cash flow
Merck & Constellation Brands 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.