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 September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$143.94HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
$379.09HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MRK vs UNH
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMRK +246.0% (+13.2%/yr)UNH +241.7% (+13.1%/yr)MRK compounded faster over this window
MRK UNH
MRK vs UNH: by the numbers
- •MRK is the larger company ($355.49B vs $344.27B market cap).
- •UNH trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (24.38 vs 115.15 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MRK converts more revenue to profit (4.78% vs 3.14% net margin).
- •UNH grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.59% vs 7.87% CAGR).
- •MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.32% vs 2.28%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MRK | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 115.15 | 24.38 |
| Forward P/E | 52.41 | 19.18 |
| P/S ratio | 5.35 | 0.76 |
| P/B ratio | 8.48 | 3.50 |
| EV / EBITDA | 22.76 | 14.98 |
| FCF yield | 4.52% | 6.86% |
Profitability
| Metric | MRK | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 75.38% | 22.49% |
| Operating margin | 36.17% | 4.82% |
| Net margin | 4.78% | 3.14% |
| ROE | 7.57% | 14.34% |
| ROIC | 5.80% | 9.19% |
Dividends
| Metric | MRK | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.32% | 2.28% |
| Payout ratio | 268.80% | 57.55% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MRK | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 7.87% | 10.59% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 21.21% | -4.06% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 23.61% | -4.39% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 18.15% | 0.70% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MRK or UNH?
- UNH has the lower trailing P/E: MRK trades at 115.15 and UNH at 24.38. 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 7.87% CAGR versus UNH at 10.59%.
- Does MRK or UNH pay a bigger dividend?
- MRK yields 2.32% and UNH yields 2.28% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MRK or UNH more profitable?
- MRK runs the higher net margin — MRK at 4.78% versus UNH at 3.14%.
- How have MRK and UNH total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MRK delivered 12.68% and UNH delivered 13.19% 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 Operating Margin StocksHighest FCF Yield StocksHighest 10-Year Total Return 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 September 11, 2026.