Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) vs Walmart Inc. (WMT)
A side-by-side comparison of Merck & Co., Inc. and Walmart Inc. 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.
Different business models: MRK is classified in Healthcare; WMT is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$131.84HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
WMT
Walmart Inc.
$113.10Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MRK vs WMT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yMRK +990.2%WMT +4540.3%WMT compounded faster
MRK WMT
MRK vs WMT: by the numbers
- •WMT is the larger company ($900.06B vs $325.61B market cap).
- •MRK trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (36.83 vs 39.21 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MRK converts more revenue to profit (13.62% vs 3.13% net margin).
- •MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.60% vs 5.20% CAGR).
- •MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.57% vs 0.86%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MRK | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 36.83 | 39.21 |
| Forward P/E | 47.09 | 42.36 |
| P/S ratio | 4.93 | 1.23 |
| P/B ratio | 7.05 | 9.48 |
| PEG ratio | 1.81 | 3.29 |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.16 | 21.35 |
| FCF yield | 4.37% | 1.40% |
Profitability
| Metric | MRK | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 75.91% | 24.98% |
| Operating margin | 36.17% | 4.16% |
| Net margin | 13.62% | 3.13% |
| ROE | 19.48% | 24.10% |
| ROIC | 18.27% | 11.87% |
Dividends
| Metric | MRK | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.57% | 0.86% |
| Payout ratio | 46.03% | 35.22% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MRK | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.60% | 5.20% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 21.21% | 10.95% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 15.69% | -9.94% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 14.44% | 20.16% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MRK or WMT?
- MRK has the lower trailing P/E: MRK trades at 36.83 and WMT at 39.21. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, MRK or WMT?
- Over the past five years, MRK grew revenue faster — MRK at a 8.60% CAGR versus WMT at 5.20%.
- Does MRK or WMT pay a bigger dividend?
- MRK yields 2.57% and WMT yields 0.86% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MRK or WMT more profitable?
- MRK runs the higher net margin — MRK at 13.62% versus WMT at 3.13%.
- How have MRK and WMT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MRK delivered 12.27% and WMT delivered 18.43% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Merck & P/E ratioWalmart P/E ratioMerck & dividend yieldWalmart dividend yieldMerck & ROEWalmart ROEMerck & operating marginWalmart operating marginMerck & revenue growthWalmart revenue growthMerck & free cash flowWalmart free cash flow
Merck & & Walmart appear in these rankings
Highest Dividend Yield Stocks25+ Year Dividend GrowersHighest ROIC StocksHighest Operating Margin 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.