Johnson & Johnson vs Merck & Company, Inc. — Stock Comparison

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) are both listed on US exchanges. This page compares their Q·Score ratings, key fundamentals (P/E, margins, growth), and Wall Street analyst consensus side by side. Data sourced from Yahoo Finance and updated on each page load.

Q·Score Winner
Johnson & Johnson
JNJ7/10vs 6.3/10

Johnson & Johnson narrowly edges Merck & Company, Inc. on Q·Score (7 vs 6.3 out of 10), primarily on Quality (9.3 vs 4.9). Merck & Company, Inc. scores higher on Growth, reflecting stronger revenue and earnings momentum. Analyst consensus targets imply greater upside for JNJ (+0.8%) than for MRK (-3.1%).

Price Performance

Normalised to 100 at period start — shows relative performance.

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JNJMRK

Q·Score Breakdown

7
Bullish
Overall
6.3
Neutral
9.3
Quality
4.9
6.5
Health
7
5
Growth
6.4
6.5
Valuation
6.5
7.4
Sentiment
7.4
JNJ

High-quality business with 26% return on equity and 21% profit margins.

earnings contracting 1% year-over-year.

MRK

71% of 28 covering analysts have a positive rating.

weak profitability metrics drag quality score.

Analyst Consensus

Bullish
+0.8%
Target $272.50
22 analysts
Bullish
-3.1%
Target $147.77
26 analysts

Fundamentals

JNJ
MRK
31.4×
Trailing P/E
122.0×
22.0×
Forward P/E
16.0×
21.48%
Profit Margin
4.77%
68.14%
Gross Margin
75.90%
25.74%
ROE
6.96%
6.60%
Revenue Growth
5.10%
-0.90%
Earnings Growth
0.23
Beta
0.21
1.98%
Dividend Yield
2.23%
$651.3B
Market Cap
$376.4B
52-Week Range
JNJ
$17394% of range$276
MRK
$7897% of range$154

Frequently Asked Questions

JNJ vs MRK: which stock scores better overall?

Based on Q·Score, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) scores 7/10 versus Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) at 6.3/10. The Q·Score measures five dimensions: Quality, Health, Growth, Valuation, and Sentiment. For informational purposes only — not financial advice.

Which has better revenue growth: JNJ or MRK?

Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) scores higher on Growth (6.4/10 vs 5/10). Johnson & Johnson reports revenue growth (6.6% YoY) while Merck & Company, Inc. reports (5.1% YoY). Growth scores reflect revenue and earnings momentum relative to sector peers.

Is JNJ or MRK more attractively valued?

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) scores higher on Valuation (6.5/10 vs 6.5/10). JNJ trades at 22.0× P/E versus MRK at 16.0×. Valuation is assessed using P/E ratio, analyst price targets, and 52-week range positioning relative to sector peers.

What do analysts say about JNJ vs MRK?

There are 22 analysts covering JNJ with a consensus price target of $272.50, and 26 analysts covering MRK with a consensus target of $147.77. Analyst consensus ratings are aggregated from Wall Street research and do not constitute investment advice.

Which is more profitable: JNJ or MRK?

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) scores higher on Quality (9.3/10 vs 4.9/10). Net profit margin: JNJ at 21.5%, MRK at 4.8%. Quality scores reflect profit margins, return on equity, and free cash flow generation.

Which has stronger financial health: JNJ or MRK?

Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) scores higher on Financial Health (7/10 vs 6.5/10). Market beta: JNJ at 0.23, MRK at 0.21. Health scores consider beta, debt-to-equity, and current ratio. All investments carry risk — this is not investment advice.

What are the market caps of JNJ and MRK?

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has a market capitalisation of $651.3B, while Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) has a market cap of $376.4B. Market cap data is sourced from Yahoo Finance and reflects the most recent available figures.

Do JNJ or MRK pay dividends?

JNJ pays a dividend yield of 1.98%, while MRK pays a dividend yield of 2.23%. Dividend yields fluctuate with share price and company payout decisions.

Q·Score is an educational tool and is not financial advice. Data provided by Yahoo Finance. Updated on each page load. How it's calculated →

Data provided by Yahoo Finance ·  Updated on each page load ·  For informational purposes only · Not financial advice · Quantify.biz © 2026