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.

Compare

Total returnMRK vs TMO

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MRK +226.9% (+12.6%/yr)TMO +317.8% (+15.4%/yr)TMO compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$327$418
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

MetricMRKTMO
P/E ratio115.0434.50
Forward P/E52.3625.54
P/S ratio5.355.14
P/B ratio8.474.52
EV / EBITDA22.7426.37
FCF yield4.52%3.07%

Profitability

MetricMRKTMO
Gross margin75.38%40.37%
Operating margin36.17%17.69%
Net margin4.78%15.06%
ROE7.57%13.25%
ROIC5.80%7.44%

Dividends

MetricMRKTMO
Dividend yield2.33%0.30%
Payout ratio268.80%9.68%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMRKTMO
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.

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.