Head to head · SEC data as of July 10, 2026
Pfizer
61
Quality score · out of 100
Merck
75
Quality score · out of 100
Merck comes in ahead: a quality score of 75 versus 61 for Pfizer. Merck wins on ROE (19.5% vs 8.3%), cash generation (FCF) (21.5% vs 15%) and earnings growth (4.8% vs -4.1%). Pfizer doesn't take a single major metric today.
| Metric | Pfizer | Merck |
|---|---|---|
| Quality score (0-100) | 61 | 75 |
| Net margin | 11.8% | 13.6% |
| Gross margin | — | — |
| ROE | 8.3% | 19.5% |
| Net debt/EBITDA | — | — |
| FCF margin | 15% | 21.5% |
| Revenue growth (annualized) | 8.3% | 9.2% |
| Earnings growth (annualized) | -4.1% | 4.8% |
TTM metrics with official SEC data, refreshed daily. Bold green marks the winner of each metric. A dash means the metric doesn't apply or isn't reliable.
Pfizer. Pfizer is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. It researches, develops and sells medicines and vaccines. After the huge but temporary boost from its COVID products, its challenge is to grow again with the rest of its portfolio and its new acquisitions.
Merck. Merck is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. Its business depends largely on a blockbuster cancer drug (Keytruda), plus vaccines and animal health.
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What this comparison doesn't tell you
The score measures business quality, not whether the stock is cheap or expensive: the better company can be the worse investment if you overpay. For the valuation verdict, enter each one's current price in the analyzer:
Who has the stronger fundamentals today, Pfizer or Merck?
By the StockSemáforo model (profitability, growth and financial strength, built on official SEC data), Merck scores higher: 75 versus 61 out of 100. The score is recomputed nightly with the latest filings.
Does that make Merck the better investment?
No. The score measures business quality, not valuation: an excellent company can trade at an excessive price and be a poor investment at that price. To find out whether it's cheap or expensive, enter its current quote in the StockSemáforo analyzer.
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