AMGN vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 2, 2026, AMGN and MRK are closely matched. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.27%, 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: AMGN vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 2, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.27%, versus 2.16% for Amgen Inc. (AMGN).
- As of Nov 2, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AMGN's dividend safety A (82/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 2, 2026, AMGN has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, AMGN pays out 61% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 267%.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, AMGN's fair-value estimate is 42% 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, "AMGN vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 2, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/amgn-vs-mrk
| Metric | AMGN | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.16% | 2.27% |
| Annual dividend | $10.08 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 61% | 267% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.3% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 134% | 100% |
| Dividend safety score | 82 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $268.80 | $119.89 |
| Upside to fair value | -42% | -20% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $251.9B | $368.9B |
| P/E ratio | 28.9 | 151.0 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.27%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
AMGN
8.3%
Better value
MRK
-20% upside
AMGN vs MRK — FAQ
Is AMGN or MRK a better dividend stock?
AMGN and MRK are closely matched. MRK has the higher yield; MRK scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AMGN or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.27%, versus 2.16% for AMGN.
Is AMGN or MRK safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AMGN or MRK better value right now?
As of Nov 2, 2026, MRK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price (overvalued). For AMGN, its fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.