BDX vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, BDX and MRK are closely matched. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.34%, BDX has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price).
Key facts: BDX vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.34%, versus 2.11% for Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BDX's dividend safety A (90/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, BDX has raised its dividend for 42 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, BDX pays out 72% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 267%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, BDX's fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BDX vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bdx-vs-mrk
| Metric | BDX | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.11% | 2.34% |
| Annual dividend | $4.20 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 72% | 267% |
| Years of growth | 42 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.0% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 9% | 94% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $129.56 | $120.53 |
| Upside to fair value | -35% | -17% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $54.2B | $358.4B |
| P/E ratio | 46.3 | 115.3 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.34%
Safer dividend
BDX
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
MRK
-17% upside
BDX vs MRK — FAQ
Is BDX or MRK a better dividend stock?
BDX and MRK are closely matched. MRK has the higher yield; BDX scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, BDX or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.34%, versus 2.11% for BDX.
Is BDX or MRK safer?
BDX has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BDX or MRK better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, MRK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price (overvalued). For BDX, its fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.