MRK vs ZTS

Merck (MRK) and Zoetis (ZTS) compared side by side. Merck (MRK) is larger, with a market cap of $358.4B versus $33.5B for Zoetis, about 10.7 times the size. On trailing earnings, ZTS is cheaper at 13.3x versus 117.2x for MRK.

Head to head

MetricMRKZTS
Market cap$358.4B$33.5B
P/E (TTM)117.2x13.3x
Forward P/E15.7x12.6x
Revenue (TTM)$66.6B$9.5B
Revenue growth5.1%-0.2%
Gross margin75.9%71.7%
Operating margin-0.2%40.7%
Free cash flow$16.1B$2.3B
Dividend yield2.34%2.62%
1-year return+71.5%-43.6%
5-year return (annual)+15.8%-16.3%
Max drawdown-69%-70%
FI Handbook gradeCB-

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

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

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MRKZTS

MRK vs ZTS FAQ

Which is bigger, MRK or ZTS?

Merck (MRK) is larger, with a market cap of $358.4B versus $33.5B for Zoetis, about 10.7 times the size.

Is MRK or ZTS cheaper?

On trailing earnings, ZTS is cheaper at 13.3x 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 ZTS?

MRK returned +71.5% over the past year including dividends, versus -43.6% for ZTS, through October 23, 2026.

Which pays a higher dividend, MRK or ZTS?

ZTS yields 2.62% versus 2.34% for MRK.

Full pages: Merck · Zoetis