MRK vs PFE
Merck (MRK) and Pfizer (PFE) compared side by side. Merck (MRK) is larger, with a market cap of $358.4B versus $171.2B for Pfizer, about 2.1 times the size. On trailing earnings, PFE is cheaper at 39.5x versus 117.2x for MRK.
Head to head
| Metric | MRK | PFE |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $358.4B | $171.2B |
| P/E (TTM) | 117.2x | 39.5x |
| Forward P/E | 15.7x | 10.4x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $66.6B | $63.7B |
| Revenue growth | 5.1% | 2.6% |
| Gross margin | 75.9% | 74.7% |
| Operating margin | -0.2% | 27.9% |
| Free cash flow | $16.1B | $11.0B |
| Dividend yield | 2.34% | 5.73% |
| 1-year return | +71.5% | +30.3% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +15.8% | -1.9% |
| Max drawdown | -69% | -69% |
| FI Handbook grade | C | C+ |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
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MRK vs PFE FAQ
Which is bigger, MRK or PFE?
Merck (MRK) is larger, with a market cap of $358.4B versus $171.2B for Pfizer, about 2.1 times the size.
Is MRK or PFE cheaper?
On trailing earnings, PFE is cheaper at 39.5x 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, MRK or PFE?
MRK returned +71.5% over the past year including dividends, versus +30.3% for PFE, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, MRK or PFE?
PFE yields 5.73% versus 2.34% for MRK.