Eli Lilly vs Merck (LLY vs MRK)
Eli Lilly (LLY) vs Merck (MRK) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Eli Lilly (LLY) and Merck (MRK) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are Eli Lilly 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 Eli Lilly or Merck.
Eli Lilly vs Merck: the figures
| Figure | Eli Lilly | Merck |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $1,417.99 (November 4, 2026) | $150.36 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $1.26 trillion | $371.0 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 46.0x | 151.9x |
| Forward P/E | 28.3x | 16.7x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +38.6% | +4.7% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 31.9% | 3.6% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 1.0x | 2.9x |
| Dividend yield | 0.49% | 2.35% |
| Beta | 0.39 | 0.12 |
Eli Lilly and Merck figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Eli Lilly or Merck figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Eli Lilly and Merck
- Valuation: Merck trades at 151.9x its annual earnings and Eli Lilly at 46.0x; the market pays more for each dollar of Merck profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Eli Lilly keeps 31.9 as net profit and Merck keeps 3.6.
- Growth: Eli Lilly grew sales +38.6% year on year in its latest quarter, against +4.7% for Merck.
Eli Lilly or Merck: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Eli Lilly 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: Eli Lilly has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Eli Lilly trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Eli Lilly 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 Eli Lilly and Merck make money
Eli Lilly (LLY)
Eli Lilly sells prescription medicines. Its largest revenue source is tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for obesity, followed by Verzenio for breast cancer, Jardiance and Trulicity for diabetes, Taltz for immunology and Kisunla for Alzheimer's disease. The United States is its biggest market. Full Eli Lilly 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: Eli Lilly vs Merck
Is Eli Lilly or Merck the better stock?
Choosing between Eli Lilly and Merck depends on what you are looking for. Eli Lilly is growing faster right now, and Eli Lilly trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Eli Lilly or Merck: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Eli Lilly or Merck?
As of November 4, 2026, Merck yields 2.35% and Eli Lilly yields 0.49%. Also check how much of their profit Eli Lilly and Merck pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Eli Lilly or Merck?
On P/E, Merck (151.9x) is more expensive than Eli Lilly (46.0x) 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 Eli Lilly and Merck?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Eli Lilly 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 Eli Lilly or Merck.
More comparisons with Eli Lilly or Merck
More companies like Eli Lilly and Merck: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about Eli Lilly and Merck, not investment advice.