MRK vs MSFT
MRK vs MSFT · Last updated April 5, 2026
| Metric | MRK | MSFT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $120.87 | $373.46 | — |
| Market Cap | $298.8B | $2.8T | MSFT |
| P/E Ratio | 16.60 | 23.37 | MRK |
| Dividend Yield | 281.00% | 97.00% | MRK |
Performance Comparison
| Period | MRK | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| 1M | +4.91% | -9.06% |
| 3M | +13.33% | -20.84% |
| 6M | +37.69% | -27.51% |
| YTD | +15.68% | -22.60% |
| 1Y | +53.75% | +4.58% |
| 3Y | N/A | N/A |
| 5Y | N/A | N/A |
Dividend Comparison
| Ex-Date | Ticker | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| March 16, 2026 | MRK | $0.85 |
| February 19, 2026 | MSFT | $0.91 |
| December 15, 2025 | MRK | $0.85 |
| November 20, 2025 | MSFT | $0.91 |
| September 15, 2025 | MRK | $0.81 |
| August 21, 2025 | MSFT | $0.83 |
| June 16, 2025 | MRK | $0.81 |
| May 15, 2025 | MSFT | $0.83 |
| March 17, 2025 | MRK | $0.81 |
| February 20, 2025 | MSFT | $0.83 |
| December 16, 2024 | MRK | $0.81 |
| November 21, 2024 | MSFT | $0.83 |
| September 16, 2024 | MRK | $0.77 |
| August 15, 2024 | MSFT | $0.75 |
| June 17, 2024 | MRK | $0.77 |
| May 15, 2024 | MSFT | $0.75 |
| March 14, 2024 | MRK | $0.77 |
| February 14, 2024 | MSFT | $0.75 |
| December 14, 2023 | MRK | $0.77 |
| November 15, 2023 | MSFT | $0.75 |
Key Differences
MRK and MSFT serve different roles in many portfolios. Understanding the specific differences in cost, performance, and risk profile can help clarify which asset aligns with different investment objectives.
For income-oriented investors, MRK provides a higher yield at 281.00% versus MSFT's 97.00%. This 184.00% gap means MRK generates more cash flow per dollar invested, though dividend yields change daily with price movements.
MSFT has a market capitalization of $2.8T (mega-cap), which is 9.3x the size of MRK's $298.8B (mega-cap). Larger companies tend to have more stable prices, while smaller companies may offer higher growth potential with greater volatility.
MRK has a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 16.6 compared to MSFT's 23.4. This difference in earnings multiples may reflect varying market expectations for future growth, profitability, and risk between the two companies.
The data above reflects the most recent available information. Market conditions change frequently, and investors should verify current figures before making decisions.
How to Compare MRK and MSFT
- Compare valuations: MRK trades at a P/E of 16.6 while MSFT trades at 23.4.
- Consider company size: MRK ($298.8B) vs MSFT ($2.8T).
- Review historical performance across different time periods (1-month to 5-year) to understand how each has performed in various market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MRK or MSFT a better investment?
Whether MRK or MSFT is more suitable depends on your individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. MRK and MSFT differ in key metrics like P/E ratio, market capitalization, and dividend yield. This page provides objective data to help you compare the two.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MRK or MSFT?
MRK currently has a higher trailing dividend yield of 281.00% compared to MSFT's 97.00%. Dividend yields fluctuate daily based on stock price and are based on trailing twelve-month distributions.
Which company is larger, MRK or MSFT?
MSFT has a market capitalization of $2.8T, making it the larger company by market value.
What are the risks of investing in MRK vs MSFT?
Both MRK and MSFT carry market risk — their values can decline during market downturns. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consider factors like volatility, sector concentration, and your own risk tolerance when evaluating either investment.
Calculate your potential investment returns → Compound Interest Calculator