Merck & Company, Inc. vs Novo Nordisk A/S — Stock Comparison

Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) and Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) 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
Novo Nordisk A/S
NVO6.5/10vs 6.4/10

Novo Nordisk A/S narrowly edges Merck & Company, Inc. on Q·Score (6.5 vs 6.4 out of 10), led by Quality (10 vs 4.9) and Valuation (7.2 vs 7). Merck & Company, Inc. scores higher on Sentiment, reflecting stronger analyst and market sentiment. Analyst consensus targets imply greater upside for NVO (+9.6%) than for MRK (+6.3%).

Price Performance

Normalised to 100 at period start — shows relative performance.

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MRKNVO

Q·Score Breakdown

6.4
Neutral
Overall
6.5
Neutral
4.9
Quality
10
7
Health
5.9
6.4
Growth
3.8
7
Valuation
7.2
7.4
Sentiment
4
MRK

71% of 28 covering analysts have a positive rating.

weak profitability metrics drag quality score.

NVO

High-quality business with 60% return on equity and 35% profit margins.

earnings contracting 21% year-over-year.

Analyst Consensus

Bullish
+6.3%
Target $152.96
26 analysts
Neutral
+9.6%
Target $47.23
12 analysts

Fundamentals

MRK
NVO
115.1×
Trailing P/E
10.5×
15.1×
Forward P/E
12.7×
4.77%
Profit Margin
35.35%
75.90%
Gross Margin
81.99%
6.96%
ROE
59.81%
5.10%
Revenue Growth
2.10%
Earnings Growth
-20.60%
0.23
Beta
0.34
2.36%
Dividend Yield
4.17%
$355.1B
Market Cap
$190.3B
52-Week Range
MRK
$7884% of range$157
NVO
$3527% of range$64

Frequently Asked Questions

MRK vs NVO: which stock scores better overall?

Based on Q·Score, Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) scores 6.5/10 versus Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) at 6.4/10. The Q·Score measures five dimensions: Quality, Health, Growth, Valuation, and Sentiment. For informational purposes only — not financial advice.

Which has better revenue growth: MRK or NVO?

Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) scores higher on Growth (6.4/10 vs 3.8/10). Merck & Company, Inc. reports revenue growth (5.1% YoY) while Novo Nordisk A/S reports (2.1% YoY). Growth scores reflect revenue and earnings momentum relative to sector peers.

Is MRK or NVO more attractively valued?

Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) scores higher on Valuation (7.2/10 vs 7/10). MRK trades at 15.1× P/E versus NVO at 12.7×. Valuation is assessed using P/E ratio, analyst price targets, and 52-week range positioning relative to sector peers.

What do analysts say about MRK vs NVO?

There are 26 analysts covering MRK with a consensus price target of $152.96, and 12 analysts covering NVO with a consensus target of $47.23. Analyst consensus ratings are aggregated from Wall Street research and do not constitute investment advice.

Which is more profitable: MRK or NVO?

Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) scores higher on Quality (10/10 vs 4.9/10). Net profit margin: MRK at 4.8%, NVO at 35.3%. Quality scores reflect profit margins, return on equity, and free cash flow generation.

Which has stronger financial health: MRK or NVO?

Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) scores higher on Financial Health (7/10 vs 5.9/10). Market beta: MRK at 0.23, NVO at 0.34. 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 MRK and NVO?

Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) has a market capitalisation of $355.1B, while Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) has a market cap of $190.3B. Market cap data is sourced from Yahoo Finance and reflects the most recent available figures.

Do MRK or NVO pay dividends?

MRK pays a dividend yield of 2.36%, while NVO pays a dividend yield of 4.17%. 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 →

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