BDX vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 2026, BDX (Becton, Dickinson and Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. BDX offers the higher yield at 2.27%, BDX has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRK trades at the larger discount to fair value (-12%).
| Metric | BDX | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.27% | 2.23% |
| Annual dividend | $4.20 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 72% | 269% |
| Years of growth | 42 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.0% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -2% | 100% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $155.06 | $133.00 |
| Upside to fair value | -16% | -12% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $50.3B | $370.9B |
| P/E ratio | 32.0 | 120.3 |
Higher yield
BDX
2.27%
Safer dividend
BDX
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
MRK
-12% upside
BDX vs MRK — FAQ
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