Medtronic vs Merck (MDT vs MRK)
Medtronic (MDT) vs Merck (MRK) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Medtronic (MDT) and Merck (MRK) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are Medtronic 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 Medtronic or Merck.
Medtronic vs Merck: the figures
| Figure | Medtronic | Merck |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $104.96 (November 4, 2026) | $150.36 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $134.3 billion | $371.0 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 25.8x | 151.9x |
| Forward P/E | 16.4x | 16.7x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +13.7% | +4.7% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 13.9% | 3.6% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 1.9x | 2.9x |
| Dividend yield | 2.91% | 2.35% |
| Beta | 0.57 | 0.12 |
Medtronic and Merck figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Medtronic or Merck figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Medtronic and Merck
- Valuation: Merck trades at 151.9x its annual earnings and Medtronic at 25.8x; the market pays more for each dollar of Merck profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Medtronic keeps 13.9 as net profit and Merck keeps 3.6.
- Growth: Medtronic grew sales +13.7% year on year in its latest quarter, against +4.7% for Merck.
Medtronic or Merck: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Medtronic 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): Medtronic pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Medtronic has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Medtronic trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Medtronic 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 Medtronic and Merck make money
Medtronic (MDT)
Medtronic sells medical devices to hospitals around the world. Cardiovascular, its largest segment, includes pacemakers, defibrillators and heart valves. Neuroscience covers spine, neuromodulation and specialty therapies, Medical Surgical offers surgical tools and the Hugo robot, and Diabetes sells MiniMed insulin pumps and glucose monitoring systems. Full Medtronic 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: Medtronic vs Merck
Is Medtronic or Merck the better stock?
Choosing between Medtronic and Merck depends on what you are looking for. Medtronic is growing faster right now, and Medtronic trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Medtronic or Merck: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Medtronic or Merck?
As of November 4, 2026, Medtronic yields 2.91% and Merck yields 2.35%. Also check how much of their profit Medtronic and Merck pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Medtronic or Merck?
On P/E, Merck (151.9x) is more expensive than Medtronic (25.8x) 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 Medtronic and Merck?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Medtronic 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 Medtronic or Merck.
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- Intuitive Surgical vs Merck
More companies like Medtronic and Merck: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about Medtronic and Merck, not investment advice.