ABBV vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 22, 2026, ABBV (AbbVie Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ABBV offers the higher yield at 2.43%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price).
Key facts: ABBV vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 22, 2026, AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.43%, versus 2.27% for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK).
- As of Oct 22, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ABBV's dividend safety A (80/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 22, 2026, ABBV has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Oct 22, 2026, ABBV pays out 190% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 267%.
- As of Oct 22, 2026, ABBV's fair-value estimate is 31% below its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ABBV vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 22, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/abbv-vs-mrk
| Metric | ABBV | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.43% | 2.27% |
| Annual dividend | $6.92 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 190% | 267% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.8% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 148% | 95% |
| Dividend safety score | 80 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $195.66 | $120.53 |
| Upside to fair value | -31% | -20% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $503.3B | $369.8B |
| P/E ratio | 80.5 | 119.0 |
Higher yield
ABBV
2.43%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
ABBV
6.8%
Better value
MRK
-20% upside
ABBV vs MRK — FAQ
Is ABBV or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, ABBV wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ABBV offers the higher yield (2.43%), while MRK has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ABBV or MRK?
ABBV has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.43%, versus 2.27% for MRK.
Is ABBV or MRK safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 80/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ABBV or MRK better value right now?
As of Oct 22, 2026, MRK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price (overvalued). For ABBV, its fair-value estimate is 31% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.