📈 Net Income History (16 Quarters)
🧮 MRK Net Income Breakdown
Understanding Net Income
Net income, also called the "bottom line" or net profit, is the money a company keeps after paying all expenses including cost of goods, operating costs, interest, and taxes. For MRK, the trailing twelve month net income is $3.2B.
Why Net Income Matters
Net income is the ultimate measure of accounting profitability. It determines earnings per share (EPS), affects stock valuations through the P/E ratio, and represents the theoretical amount available to shareholders. However, net income can be influenced by accounting choices, which is why value investors often look at cash flow metrics alongside it.
MRK's net income growth rate of 9.93% (based on log-linear regression of 16 quarters) indicates modest positive profit growth.
Net Income vs Cash Flow Metrics
Free Cash Flow: $14.1B →
Actual cash generated after capital expenditures. FCF often differs from net income due to depreciation, working capital changes, and capex timing.
Owner Earnings: $15.2B →
Buffett's preferred metric that adds back depreciation but subtracts maintenance capex. Often considered more accurate than net income.
EPS (Diluted): $1.25 →
Net income divided by diluted shares outstanding. The primary driver of the P/E ratio used in valuations.
Revenue: $66.6B →
The top line that net income is derived from. Net margin shows what percentage of revenue becomes profit.
P/E Ratio Analysis
MRK's P/E ratio of 119.6x means investors pay $119.63 for every $1 of annual earnings. A P/E above 40 indicates very high growth expectations.
Net Margin: Profitability Efficiency
Net margin of 4.77% shows what percentage of MRK's revenue converts to profit after all costs. Net margins below 5% suggest intense competition or a low-margin business model.
Summary: MRK Net Income Trend
Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has a net margin of 4.77%, which Zyberno classifies as acceptable for a Healthcare company — within the 4–10% range Zyberno considers typical for healthcare businesses where R&D amortization, legal costs, and tax structures shape net margins. Net income grew at 9.93% annually — positive but below the 10% level Zyberno considers strong growth. For complete financial analysis, view the full MRK stock report on Zyberno.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MRK's current net income?
Merck & Co., Inc.'s TTM net income is $3.2B, growing at 9.93% annually — positive but below the 10% level Zyberno considers strong growth.
Is MRK's net income growing?
Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has a net margin of 4.77%, which Zyberno classifies as acceptable for a Healthcare company — within the 4–10% range Zyberno considers typical for healthcare businesses where R&D amortization, legal costs, and tax structures shape net margins. Net income grew at 9.93% annually — positive but below the 10% level Zyberno considers strong growth.
What is MRK's net profit margin?
Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has a net margin of 4.77%, which Zyberno classifies as acceptable for a Healthcare company — within the 4–10% range Zyberno considers typical for healthcare businesses where R&D amortization, legal costs, and tax structures shape net margins. Net income grew at 9.93% annually — positive but below the 10% level Zyberno considers strong growth.
What is MRK's P/E ratio?
MRK's P/E ratio is 119.6x, meaning the market values the company at 119.6 times its annual earnings.
How does net income differ from free cash flow?
Net income is an accounting measure that includes non-cash items like depreciation, while free cash flow shows actual cash generated. MRK's net income is $3.2B versus free cash flow of $14.1B. Large differences often indicate significant capital expenditures or working capital changes.
📊 Full MRK Stock Report →
See MRK's intrinsic value, margin of safety, DCF valuation, and complete financial analysis with 250+ metrics.
💵 MRK Free Cash Flow →
Compare to Free Cash Flow which subtracts all capital expenditures, not just maintenance CapEx.
💰 MRK Owner Earnings →
Compare to Buffett's Owner Earnings metric which uses maintenance CapEx instead of total capital expenditures.
📈 MRK Earnings Per Share →
Analyze EPS trends, P/E ratio, earnings yield, and per-share profitability metrics.
🎯 MRK Earnings Surprise (SUE) →
See whether MRK is beating or missing its own earnings trend — Standardized Unexpected Earnings and post-earnings drift.
📊 MRK Revenue →
Analyze revenue trends, growth rate, P/S ratio, and top-line sales performance.
💰 MRK Net Income →
Analyze the bottom-line profit, P/E ratio, and net profit margin trends.
🔶 MRK Operating Income →
Analyze EBIT, operating margin, and core business profitability before interest and taxes.
💜 MRK Gross Profit →
Analyze gross margin, pricing power, and profitability before operating expenses.