Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) vs Target Corporation (TGT)
A side-by-side comparison of Merck & Co., Inc. and Target Corporation 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; TGT 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
TGT
Target Corporation
$144.18Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MRK vs TGT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yMRK +990.2%TGT +3345.1%TGT compounded faster
MRK TGT
MRK vs TGT: by the numbers
- •MRK is the larger company ($325.61B vs $65.49B market cap).
- •TGT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (18.54 vs 36.83 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MRK converts more revenue to profit (13.62% vs 3.24% net margin).
- •MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.60% vs -0.29% CAGR).
- •TGT pays the higher dividend yield (3.25% vs 2.57%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MRK | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 36.83 | 18.54 |
| Forward P/E | 47.09 | 19.22 |
| P/S ratio | 4.93 | 0.60 |
| P/B ratio | 7.05 | 3.90 |
| PEG ratio | 1.81 | N/A |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.16 | 9.98 |
| FCF yield | 4.37% | 4.89% |
Profitability
| Metric | MRK | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 75.91% | 28.14% |
| Operating margin | 36.17% | 4.49% |
| Net margin | 13.62% | 3.24% |
| ROE | 19.48% | 21.04% |
| ROIC | 18.27% | 9.76% |
Dividends
| Metric | MRK | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.57% | 3.25% |
| Payout ratio | 46.03% | 55.88% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MRK | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.60% | -0.29% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 21.21% | -1.34% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 15.69% | -17.01% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 14.44% | -8.75% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MRK or TGT?
- TGT has the lower trailing P/E: MRK trades at 36.83 and TGT at 18.54. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, MRK or TGT?
- Over the past five years, MRK grew revenue faster — MRK at a 8.60% CAGR versus TGT at -0.29%.
- Does MRK or TGT pay a bigger dividend?
- MRK yields 2.57% and TGT yields 3.25% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MRK or TGT more profitable?
- MRK runs the higher net margin — MRK at 13.62% versus TGT at 3.24%.
- How have MRK and TGT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MRK delivered 12.27% and TGT delivered 9.69% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Merck & P/E ratioTarget P/E ratioMerck & dividend yieldTarget dividend yieldMerck & ROETarget ROEMerck & operating marginTarget operating marginMerck & revenue growthTarget revenue growthMerck & free cash flowTarget free cash flow
Merck & & Target 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.