ABT vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 2026, MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ABT offers the higher yield at 2.46%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRK trades at the larger discount to fair value (-8%).
| Metric | ABT | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.46% | 2.31% |
| Annual dividend | $2.52 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 79% | 269% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 10.4% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -20% | 67% |
| Dividend safety score | 75 (B) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $88.36 | $135.77 |
| Upside to fair value | -14% | -8% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $178.7B | $362.4B |
| P/E ratio | 33.2 | 117.5 |
Higher yield
ABT
2.46%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
ABT
10.4%
Better value
MRK
-8% upside
ABT vs MRK — FAQ
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