Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) vs Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO)
A side-by-side comparison of Merck & Co., Inc. and Thermo Fisher Scientific 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.
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$143.80HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
TMO
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
$641.39HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MRK vs TMO
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMRK +226.9% (+12.6%/yr)TMO +317.8% (+15.4%/yr)TMO compounded faster over this window
MRK TMO
MRK vs TMO: by the numbers
- •MRK is the larger company ($355.16B vs $238.35B market cap).
- •TMO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (34.50 vs 115.04 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •TMO converts more revenue to profit (15.06% vs 4.78% net margin).
- •MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.87% vs 5.00% CAGR).
- •MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.33% vs 0.30%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MRK | TMO |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 115.04 | 34.50 |
| Forward P/E | 52.36 | 25.54 |
| P/S ratio | 5.35 | 5.14 |
| P/B ratio | 8.47 | 4.52 |
| EV / EBITDA | 22.74 | 26.37 |
| FCF yield | 4.52% | 3.07% |
Profitability
| Metric | MRK | TMO |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 75.38% | 40.37% |
| Operating margin | 36.17% | 17.69% |
| Net margin | 4.78% | 15.06% |
| ROE | 7.57% | 13.25% |
| ROIC | 5.80% | 7.44% |
Dividends
| Metric | MRK | TMO |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.33% | 0.30% |
| Payout ratio | 268.80% | 9.68% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MRK | TMO |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 7.87% | 5.00% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 21.21% | 1.99% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 23.61% | -1.83% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 18.01% | 1.57% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MRK or TMO?
- TMO has the lower trailing P/E: MRK trades at 115.04 and TMO at 34.50. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, MRK or TMO?
- Over the past five years, MRK grew revenue faster — MRK at a 7.87% CAGR versus TMO at 5.00%.
- Does MRK or TMO pay a bigger dividend?
- MRK yields 2.33% and TMO yields 0.30% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MRK or TMO more profitable?
- TMO runs the higher net margin — MRK at 4.78% versus TMO at 15.06%.
- How have MRK and TMO total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MRK delivered 12.62% and TMO delivered 15.88% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Merck P/E ratioThermo Fisher Scientific P/E ratioMerck dividend yieldThermo Fisher Scientific dividend yieldMerck ROEThermo Fisher Scientific ROEMerck operating marginThermo Fisher Scientific operating marginMerck revenue growthThermo Fisher Scientific revenue growthMerck free cash flowThermo Fisher Scientific free cash flow
Merck & Thermo Fisher Scientific 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.