JNJ vs MRK
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Merck (MRK) compared side by side. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is larger, with a market cap of $635.1B versus $358.4B for Merck, about 1.8 times the size. On trailing earnings, JNJ is cheaper at 40.0x versus 117.2x for MRK.
Head to head
| Metric | JNJ | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $635.1B | $358.4B |
| P/E (TTM) | 40.0x | 117.2x |
| Forward P/E | 22.7x | 15.7x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $99.3B | $66.6B |
| Revenue growth | 5.9% | 5.1% |
| Gross margin | 67.8% | 75.9% |
| Operating margin | 25.7% | -0.2% |
| Free cash flow | $22.2B | $16.1B |
| Dividend yield | 2.03% | 2.34% |
| 1-year return | +40.2% | +71.5% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +13.1% | +15.8% |
| Max drawdown | -51% | -69% |
| FI Handbook grade | B- | C |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
JNJ vs MRK FAQ
Which is bigger, JNJ or MRK?
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is larger, with a market cap of $635.1B versus $358.4B for Merck, about 1.8 times the size.
Is JNJ or MRK cheaper?
On trailing earnings, JNJ is cheaper at 40.0x 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, JNJ or MRK?
MRK returned +71.5% over the past year including dividends, versus +40.2% for JNJ, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, JNJ or MRK?
MRK yields 2.34% versus 2.03% for JNJ.
Full pages: Johnson & Johnson · Merck