Johnson & Johnson vs Merck (JNJ vs MRK)
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) vs Merck (MRK) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Merck (MRK) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are Johnson & Johnson and Merck side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Johnson & Johnson or Merck.
Johnson & Johnson vs Merck: the figures
| Figure | Johnson & Johnson | Merck |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $276.32 (November 4, 2026) | $150.36 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $665.2 billion | $371.0 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 41.9x | 151.9x |
| Forward P/E | 23.8x | 16.7x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +5.9% | +4.7% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 16.2% | 3.6% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 0.8x | 2.9x |
| Dividend yield | 2.01% | 2.35% |
| Beta | 0.20 | 0.12 |
Johnson & Johnson and Merck figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Johnson & Johnson or Merck figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Johnson & Johnson and Merck
- Valuation: Merck trades at 151.9x its annual earnings and Johnson & Johnson at 41.9x; the market pays more for each dollar of Merck profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Johnson & Johnson keeps 16.2 as net profit and Merck keeps 3.6.
- Debt: Merck owes 2.9x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Johnson & Johnson owes 0.8x its EBITDA.
Johnson & Johnson or Merck: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Johnson & Johnson is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Merck pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Johnson & Johnson has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Johnson & Johnson trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Johnson & Johnson nor Merck wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Johnson & Johnson and Merck make money
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)
Johnson & Johnson reports two segments. Innovative Medicine, the larger, sells drugs such as Darzalex, Stelara, Tremfya, Erleada and Carvykti across oncology, immunology and neuroscience. MedTech sells orthopedic devices through DePuy Synthes, surgical tools, cardiovascular products from Abiomed and Shockwave, and vision care. The U.S. is its largest market. Full Johnson & Johnson analysis.
Merck (MRK)
Merck & Co. reports two segments. Pharmaceutical, by far the larger, sells Keytruda, its top cancer immunotherapy, the HPV vaccine Gardasil, Winrevair, Bridion and diabetes drugs like Januvia. Animal Health sells medicines and vaccines for pets and livestock, including the Bravecto flea and tick treatment. Full Merck analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Johnson & Johnson vs Merck
Is Johnson & Johnson or Merck the better stock?
Choosing between Johnson & Johnson and Merck depends on what you are looking for. Johnson & Johnson is growing faster right now, and Johnson & Johnson trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Johnson & Johnson or Merck: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Johnson & Johnson or Merck?
As of November 4, 2026, Merck yields 2.35% and Johnson & Johnson yields 2.01%. Also check how much of their profit Johnson & Johnson and Merck pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Johnson & Johnson or Merck?
On P/E, Merck (151.9x) is more expensive than Johnson & Johnson (41.9x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Johnson & Johnson and Merck?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Johnson & Johnson and Merck, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Johnson & Johnson or Merck.
More comparisons with Johnson & Johnson or Merck
- Intuitive Surgical vs Johnson & Johnson
- Johnson & Johnson vs Medtronic
- Johnson & Johnson vs Eli Lilly
- Intuitive Surgical vs Merck
More companies like Johnson & Johnson and Merck: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about Johnson & Johnson and Merck, not investment advice.