Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) vs Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO)

MRK leads on 13 of 17 compared metrics, though TMO is the cheaper stock.

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 June 18, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — MRK vs TMO

growth of $100 · last 30y
MRK +281.4%TMO +1205.7%TMO compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$381$1,306
MRK TMO

MRK vs TMO: by the numbers

  • MRK is the larger company ($285.24B vs $171.57B market cap).
  • TMO trades at the lower earnings multiple (25.38 vs 32.52 P/E).
  • TMO converts more revenue to profit (15.18% vs 13.62% net margin).
  • MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.60% vs 6.68% CAGR).
  • MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.91% vs 0.39%).

Which is better, MRK or TMO?

Metric tally: MRK 13 · TMO 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueTMO(lower P/E)
GrowthMRK(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeMRK(higher dividend yield)
QualityMRK(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMRKTMO
P/E ratio32.5225.38
Forward P/E11.9716.98
P/S ratio4.353.81
P/B ratio6.223.32
PEG ratio1.814.51
EV / EBITDA17.5319.01
FCF yield4.95%3.92%

Profitability

MetricMRKTMO
Gross margin75.91%39.41%
Operating margin27.59%17.76%
Net margin13.62%15.18%
ROE19.48%13.21%
ROIC18.27%7.58%

Dividends

MetricMRKTMO
Dividend yield2.91%0.39%
Payout ratio46.03%10.13%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMRKTMO
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.60%6.68%
EPS CAGR (5Y)21.21%1.99%
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.69%-0.19%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.80%-0.75%

Frequently asked

Which is better, MRK or TMO?
It depends on your goal. value: TMO (lower P/E); growth: MRK (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: MRK (higher dividend yield); quality: MRK (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, MRK leads 13 to 4.
Is MRK or TMO cheaper?
On trailing earnings, TMO is cheaper: MRK trades at a 32.52 P/E and TMO at 25.38.
Which has grown faster, MRK or TMO?
Over the past five years, MRK grew revenue faster — MRK at a 8.60% CAGR versus TMO at 6.68%.
Does MRK or TMO pay a bigger dividend?
MRK yields 2.91% and TMO yields 0.39% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MRK or TMO more profitable?
TMO runs the higher net margin — MRK at 13.62% versus TMO at 15.18%.
Which has been the better investment, MRK or TMO?
Over the past 10-year, TMO delivered the higher annualized total return — MRK at 11.40% versus TMO at 12.51%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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 June 18, 2026.