LLY vs MRK

Lilly (Eli) (LLY) and Merck (MRK) compared side by side. Lilly (Eli) (LLY) is larger, with a market cap of $1.1T versus $358.4B for Merck, about 3.2 times the size. On trailing earnings, LLY is cheaper at 42.7x versus 117.2x for MRK.

Head to head

MetricLLYMRK
Market cap$1.1T$358.4B
P/E (TTM)42.7x117.2x
Forward P/E27.0x15.7x
Revenue (TTM)$79.7B$66.6B
Revenue growth47.7%5.1%
Gross margin83.4%75.9%
Operating margin54.2%-0.2%
Free cash flow$13.6B$16.1B
Dividend yield0.54%2.34%
1-year return+56.1%+71.5%
5-year return (annual)+40.5%+15.8%
Max drawdown-68%-69%
FI Handbook gradeBC

Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.

Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)

$20.0K
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20222023202420252026
LLYMRK

LLY vs MRK FAQ

Which is bigger, LLY or MRK?

Lilly (Eli) (LLY) is larger, with a market cap of $1.1T versus $358.4B for Merck, about 3.2 times the size.

Is LLY or MRK cheaper?

On trailing earnings, LLY is cheaper at 42.7x versus 117.2x for MRK. A lower P/E can reflect slower expected growth, so compare growth and margins too.

Which stock performed better over the past year, LLY or MRK?

MRK returned +71.5% over the past year including dividends, versus +56.1% for LLY, through October 23, 2026.

Which pays a higher dividend, LLY or MRK?

MRK yields 2.34% versus 0.54% for LLY.

Full pages: Lilly (Eli) · Merck