ABT vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.31%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price).
Key facts: ABT vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 2.22% for Abbott Laboratories (ABT).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ABT's dividend safety B (77/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, ABT has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, ABT pays out 93% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 343%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, ABT's fair-value estimate is 33% below its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ABT vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/abt-vs-mrk
| Metric | ABT | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.22% | 2.31% |
| Annual dividend | $2.52 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 93% | 343% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 10.4% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -16% | 100% |
| Dividend safety score | 77 (B) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $76.44 | $119.89 |
| Upside to fair value | -33% | -18% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $196.6B | $362.5B |
| P/E ratio | 42.4 | 148.4 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.31%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
ABT
10.4%
Better value
MRK
-18% upside
ABT vs MRK — FAQ
Is ABT or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). MRK offers the higher yield (2.31%), 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, ABT or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 2.22% for ABT.
Is ABT or MRK safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 77/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ABT or MRK better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price (overvalued). For ABT, its fair-value estimate is 33% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.