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 July 28, 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.
$131.84HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
STZ
Constellation Brands, Inc.
$132.02Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MRK vs STZ
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yMRK +990.2%STZ +4597.4%STZ compounded faster
MRK STZ
MRK vs STZ: by the numbers
- •MRK is the larger company ($325.61B vs $22.55B market cap).
- •STZ trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (12.38 vs 36.83 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •STZ converts more revenue to profit (20.14% vs 13.62% net margin).
- •MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.60% vs 0.86% CAGR).
- •STZ pays the higher dividend yield (3.15% vs 2.57%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MRK | STZ |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 36.83 | 12.38 |
| Forward P/E | 47.09 | 11.14 |
| P/S ratio | 4.93 | 2.47 |
| P/B ratio | 7.05 | 2.71 |
| PEG ratio | 1.81 | N/A |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.16 | 9.87 |
| FCF yield | 4.37% | 8.20% |
Profitability
| Metric | MRK | STZ |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 75.91% | 52.62% |
| Operating margin | 36.17% | 32.14% |
| Net margin | 13.62% | 20.14% |
| ROE | 19.48% | 22.10% |
| ROIC | 18.27% | 10.48% |
Dividends
| Metric | MRK | STZ |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.57% | 3.15% |
| Payout ratio | 46.03% | 42.52% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MRK | STZ |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.60% | 0.86% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 21.21% | -1.59% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 15.69% | -1.73% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 14.44% | -8.34% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MRK or STZ?
- STZ has the lower trailing P/E: MRK trades at 36.83 and STZ at 12.38. 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 8.60% CAGR versus STZ at 0.86%.
- Does MRK or STZ pay a bigger dividend?
- MRK yields 2.57% and STZ yields 3.15% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MRK or STZ more profitable?
- STZ runs the higher net margin — MRK at 13.62% versus STZ at 20.14%.
- How have MRK and STZ total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MRK delivered 12.27% and STZ delivered -0.43% 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 July 28, 2026.