AstraZeneca (AZN) vs Merck (MRK)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Merck (MRK) has outperformed AstraZeneca (AZN) over the past year, gaining 63.0% versus a loss of 6.8%. Over five years, MRK leads with a +82.3% price change compared with +32.9% for AZN. Merck is the larger company by market cap ($351.28 billion vs $246.25 billion), about 1.4 times the size, while AstraZeneca is growing revenue faster (+8.6% vs +1.3%).
On valuation, AstraZeneca trades at a lower forward P/E (13.7x vs 15.1x for Merck). Merck offers the higher dividend yield (2.33% vs 2.03%). Merck converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 28.1% versus 17.4%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AZN | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $158.78 | $142.38 |
| Market cap | $246.25B | $351.28B |
| 1-day change | -0.84% | -0.29% |
| YTD return | -12.91% | +35.65% |
| 1-year return | -6.77% | +62.98% |
| 5-year return | +32.95% | +82.29% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 23.73 | 113.00 |
| Forward P/E | 13.73 | 15.13 |
| EPS (TTM) | $6.69 | $1.26 |
| Dividend yield | 2.03% | 2.33% |
| Annual dividend | $3.23 | $3.32 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $58.74B | $65.01B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.63% | +1.31% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $10.22B | $18.25B |
| Gross margin | 81.90% | 74.80% |
| Operating margin | 23.40% | — |
| Net margin | 17.41% | 28.08% |
| 52-week high | $212.71 | $156.92 |
| 52-week low | $153.41 | $82.01 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -25.35% | -9.27% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +33.11% | +9.76% |
| Average volume | 3.42M | 9.77M |
| Shares outstanding | 1.55B | 2.47B |
| Employees | 96,100 | 73,000 |
| Sector | Health Care | Health Care |
| Industry | Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Preparations | Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Preparations |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- MRK has outperformed AZN by 69.7 percentage points over the past year.
- Merck trades at a higher earnings multiple (113.0x vs 23.7x trailing P/E).
- Merck is more profitable, keeping 28.1 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 17.4 cents for AstraZeneca.
- AstraZeneca grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+8.63% vs +1.31%).
About AstraZeneca
AZN stock →AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacture, and commercialization of prescription medicines. The company offers Imjudo, Datroway, Iressa, Tagrisso, Imfinzi, Lynparza, Calquence, Enhertu, Orpathys, Truqap, Zoladex, Faslodex, Crestor, Andexxa, Onglyza, Symlin, XIGDUO XR, Atacand, Atacand HCT, Atacand Plus, Farxiga/Forxiga, Plendil, Modip, Splendil, Munobal, Flodil, Tenormin, Tenormine, Prenormine, Atenol, Zestril, Brilinta/Brilique, Komboglyze, Qtern, Wainua, Byetta, Lokelma, Seloken ZOK, Toprol-XL, Betaloc ZOK, XIGDUO, Accolate, Accoleit, Vanticon, Bricanyl Respules, Eklira Genuair/Tudorza/Bretaris, Pulmicort Turbuhaler, Symbicort Turbuhaler, Airsupra, Bricanyl Turbuhaler, Fasenra, Rhinocort, Tezspire, Bevespi Aerosphere, Daliresp/Daxas, Oxis Turbuhaler, Saphnelo, Breztri Aerosphere, Duaklir Genuair, Pulmicort Respules, and Symbicort pMDI.
Health Care · Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Preparations · 96,100 employees
About Merck
MRK stock →Merck & Co., Inc. operates as a healthcare company worldwide.
Health Care · Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Preparations · 73,000 employees
AZN vs MRK FAQ
Which is bigger, AstraZeneca or Merck?
Merck (MRK) is larger, with a market capitalization of $351.28B compared with $246.25B for AstraZeneca (AZN).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AZN or MRK?
MRK returned +62.98% over the past 12 months, compared with -6.77% for AZN (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AZN or MRK?
AZN has the lower trailing P/E at 23.7, versus 113.0 for MRK. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, AstraZeneca or Merck?
Merck has the higher yield at 2.33%, compared with 2.03% for AstraZeneca.
Are AstraZeneca and Merck in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Preparations industry within the Health Care sector.