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JNJ vs MRK

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) compared on valuation, profitability, price performance and market sentiment. JNJ sentiment is positive; MRK is positive. Last analyzed Jul 15, 2026 and Jul 30, 2026.

Performance

Each rebased to 0% at the start of its recent history — the gap is relative out/under-performance.

+20%+40%+60%0%JNJ +67.75%MRK +67.95%
JNJMRKMRK has outperformed over this window
JNJ

Johnson & Johnson

positive+34
MRK

Merck & Co., Inc.

positive+34
Last close
$257.77$130.36
Market cap
$611.07B$321.97B
P/E (TTM)
Stronger: 29.937.1
Forward P/E
19.9Stronger: 13.5
Price / book
7.5Stronger: 7
Net margin
Stronger: 21.83%13.59%
Revenue growth
Stronger: +9.90%+4.90%
Dividend yield
2.08%Stronger: 2.61%
Beta
0.240.21
52-week high
$269.43$135.05
52-week low
$154.80$77.53

marks the stronger side on ratios, margins, growth and yield. Levels like price and market cap aren’t scored.

Where they differ

Johnson & Johnson

Healthcare · Drug Manufacturers - General

Johnson & Johnson researches, develops, manufactures, and sells healthcare products worldwide. The company organizes its work into two segments. Its Innovative Medicine segment offers prescription pharmaceuticals across therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiovascular and metabolic disease, reaching patients through wholesalers, distributors, hospitals, and healthcare professionals. Its MedTech segment supplies medical devices and technologies used in surgery, orthopedics, cardiovascular care, and vision. These include products for joint reconstruction, trauma, spine, and sports injuries; instruments and systems for open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery, such as energy devices, stapling, wound closure, and biosurgery; and vision care products, including ACUVUE contact lenses and TECNIS intraocular lenses for cataract surgery. Founded in 1886, Johnson & Johnson is headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Full JNJ overview →

Merck & Co., Inc.

Healthcare · Drug Manufacturers - General

Merck & Co., Inc. is a global healthcare company founded in 1891 and headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. Its human health business spans oncology, vaccines, infectious disease, cardio-pulmonary, and other therapeutic areas, with products including Keytruda, Welireg, Gardasil, Varivax, M-M-R II, Vaxneuvance, RotaTeq, Pneumovax 23, Bridion, Prevymis, Winrevair, Isentress, Delstrigo, Januvia, and Janumet. Through its animal health segment, the company sells veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and health-management products for livestock and companion animals under brands such as Bravecto, Nobivac, Bovilis, Nuflor, Banamine, Safe-Guard, and Sentinel, along with Allflex Livestock Intelligence monitoring and identification systems. Merck develops and commercializes a number of products through partnerships. These include an agreement with Daiichi Sankyo covering antibody-drug conjugate candidates, co-development and co-commercialization of Lynparza with AstraZeneca, and collaborations with Eisai, Bayer, Moderna, and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics. Outside the United States and Canada, the company operates under the name MSD.

Full MRK overview →

JNJ vs MRK: frequently asked questions

Which has the higher market cap, JNJ or MRK?

JNJ has the higher market capitalization. JNJ is about $611.07B, compared with about $321.97B for MRK.

Which has the lower trailing P/E, JNJ or MRK?

JNJ has the lower trailing P/E. JNJ trades at 29.9 times trailing earnings, versus 37.1 for MRK.

Which has stronger market sentiment, JNJ or MRK?

JNJ has the stronger composite sentiment score. JNJ scores 34 and MRK scores 34 on a −100 to +100 scale.

Which pays the higher dividend yield, JNJ or MRK?

MRK has the higher indicated dividend yield. JNJ yields 2.08%, compared with 2.61% for MRK.

Full comparison

Go deeper on JNJ and MRK

Line up margins, growth, valuation and shared ETF exposure side by side — then read the full thesis, signals and risk levels behind each name.