Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) vs UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)
A side-by-side comparison of Merck & Co., Inc. and UnitedHealth Group Incorporated 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.
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$131.84HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
$428.79HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MRK vs UNH
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yMRK +990.2%UNH +12902.6%UNH compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
MRK UNH
MRK vs UNH: by the numbers
- •UNH is the larger company ($389.40B vs $325.61B market cap).
- •UNH trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (26.86 vs 36.83 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MRK converts more revenue to profit (13.62% vs 3.14% net margin).
- •UNH grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.59% vs 8.60% CAGR).
- •MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.57% vs 2.14%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MRK | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 36.83 | 26.86 |
| Forward P/E | 47.09 | 21.18 |
| P/S ratio | 4.93 | 0.84 |
| P/B ratio | 7.05 | 3.62 |
| PEG ratio | 1.81 | N/A |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.16 | 16.19 |
| FCF yield | 4.37% | 6.24% |
Profitability
| Metric | MRK | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 75.91% | 22.49% |
| Operating margin | 36.17% | 4.82% |
| Net margin | 13.62% | 3.14% |
| ROE | 19.48% | 13.51% |
| ROIC | 18.27% | 8.23% |
Dividends
| Metric | MRK | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.57% | 2.14% |
| Payout ratio | 46.03% | 67.65% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MRK | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.60% | 10.59% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 21.21% | -4.06% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 15.69% | -4.39% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 14.44% | 1.90% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MRK or UNH?
- UNH has the lower trailing P/E: MRK trades at 36.83 and UNH at 26.86. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, MRK or UNH?
- Over the past five years, UNH grew revenue faster — MRK at a 8.60% CAGR versus UNH at 10.59%.
- Does MRK or UNH pay a bigger dividend?
- MRK yields 2.57% and UNH yields 2.14% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MRK or UNH more profitable?
- MRK runs the higher net margin — MRK at 13.62% versus UNH at 3.14%.
- How have MRK and UNH total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MRK delivered 12.27% and UNH delivered 13.27% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Merck & P/E ratioUnitedHealth P/E ratioMerck & dividend yieldUnitedHealth dividend yieldMerck & ROEUnitedHealth ROEMerck & operating marginUnitedHealth operating marginMerck & revenue growthUnitedHealth revenue growthMerck & free cash flowUnitedHealth free cash flow
Merck & & UnitedHealth appear in these rankings
Highest Dividend Yield StocksHighest ROIC StocksHighest Operating Margin StocksHighest FCF Yield Stocks
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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.