BMY vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 2, 2026, BMY (Bristol-Myers Squibb Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. BMY offers the higher yield at 4.03%, BMY has the higher dividend-safety score, and BMY looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price).
Key facts: BMY vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 2, 2026, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.03%, versus 2.27% for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK).
- As of Nov 2, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BMY's dividend safety A (91/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 2, 2026, BMY has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, BMY pays out 56% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 267%.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, BMY's fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price, so BMY looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BMY vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 2, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bmy-vs-mrk
| Metric | BMY | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.03% | 2.27% |
| Annual dividend | $2.52 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 56% | 267% |
| Years of growth | 18 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.2% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 17% | 100% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $60.06 | $119.89 |
| Upside to fair value | -4% | -20% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $127.7B | $368.9B |
| P/E ratio | 13.9 | 151.0 |
Higher yield
BMY
4.03%
Safer dividend
BMY
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
BMY
-4% upside
BMY vs MRK — FAQ
Is BMY or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, BMY wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). BMY offers the higher yield (4.03%), while BMY has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, BMY or MRK?
BMY has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.03%, versus 2.27% for MRK.
Is BMY or MRK safer?
BMY has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BMY or MRK better value right now?
As of Nov 2, 2026, BMY looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price (fairly valued). For MRK, its fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.