Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck & Co., Inc. operates as a healthcare company worldwide. It offers human health pharmaceutical for various areas under the Keytruda, Keytruda Qlex, Welireg, Gardasil, ProQuad, M-M-R II, Varivax, Vaxneuvance, Capvaxive, RotaTeq, Pneumovax 23, Bridion, Prevymis, Dificid, Zerbaxa, Winrevair, Ademp…
What to know about MRK
Merck & Co., Inc. is a Healthcare company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on size and risk, but growth is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider MRK?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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Merck & Co., Inc. is a Healthcare company with a mixed overall financial profile — it ranks in the top quarter of its Healthcare peers (12 of 59).
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The business is both profitable and financially healthy — it keeps a good portion of what it earns and carries its debt comfortably.
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Valuation is in the middle of the pack — neither obviously cheap nor stretched.
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Growth has been slower than most peers. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means the investment case rests more on current earnings than future expansion.
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There is a small dividend (0.03%), but income-focused investors will likely find better yields elsewhere in the market.
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Risk is relatively low — the stock tends to be less volatile than the broader market, which typically means a smoother ride during uncertain periods.
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Analyst sentiment is broadly positive and short interest is low — professionals who cover this stock are mostly optimistic about its near-term prospects.
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This is a mixed picture — real strengths in some areas, but areas that need watching too. Do your homework on the sector before deciding.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how MRK compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 32.08 | Average |
| Forward P/E | 11.91 | Above avg |
| PEG Ratio | 5.36 | Below avg |
| Price to Sales | 4.28 | Average |
| Price to Book | 6.13 | Average |
| EV/EBITDA | 11.11 | Top 25% |
| Earnings Yield | 3.12% | Average |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 76.73% | Top 25% |
| Operating Margin | 38.60% | Top 25% |
| Net Profit Margin | 13.59% | Above avg |
| Return on Equity | 18.94% | Above avg |
| Return on Invested Capital | 12.58% | Top 25% |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 4.90% | Average |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | 3.12% | Average |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | — | N/A |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | -31.70% | Below avg |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 1.30 | Above avg |
| Debt to Equity | 1.07 | Average |
| Interest Coverage | 16.52 | Top 25% |
| Altman Z-Score | 3.90 | Above avg |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 2.95% | Above avg |
| Payout Ratio | 93.52% | Below avg |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -8.22% | Average |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | 5.02% | Above avg |
| OCF to Sales | 27.20% | Above avg |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 0.22 | Top 25% |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 30.10% | Above avg |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 1.24% | Top 25% |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 1.83 | Above avg |
| Target Upside % | 13.94% | Above avg |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 281.24B | Top 25% |
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