ATR vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.32%, ATR has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price).
Key facts: ATR vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.32%, versus 1.40% for AptarGroup, Inc. (ATR).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ATR's dividend safety A (94/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, ATR has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, ATR pays out 46% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 343%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, ATR's fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ATR vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/atr-vs-mrk
| Metric | ATR | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.40% | 2.32% |
| Annual dividend | $2.00 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 46% | 343% |
| Years of growth | 32 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 4.9% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 19% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 94 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $102.81 | $131.45 |
| Upside to fair value | -28% | -10% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $9.0B | $361.7B |
| P/E ratio | 34.4 | 148.2 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.32%
Safer dividend
ATR
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
MRK
-10% upside
ATR vs MRK — FAQ
Is ATR or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MRK offers the higher yield (2.32%), while ATR has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ATR or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.32%, versus 1.40% for ATR.
Is ATR or MRK safer?
ATR has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ATR or MRK better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, MRK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price (fairly valued). For ATR, its fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.