CAH vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, CAH (Cardinal Health, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.41%, CAH has the higher dividend-safety score, and CAH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price).
Key facts: CAH vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.41%, versus 0.84% for Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAH's dividend safety A (99/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, CAH has raised its dividend for 39 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, CAH pays out 28% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 267%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, CAH's fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 16% below its share price, so CAH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAH vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cah-vs-mrk
| Metric | CAH | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.84% | 2.41% |
| Annual dividend | $2.06 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 28% | 267% |
| Years of growth | 39 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 1.0% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 440% | 94% |
| Dividend safety score | 99 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $318.57 | $122.43 |
| Upside to fair value | +27% | -16% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $58.1B | $361.0B |
| P/E ratio | 34.7 | 116.1 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.41%
Safer dividend
CAH
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
CAH
+27% upside
CAH vs MRK — FAQ
Is CAH or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAH wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MRK offers the higher yield (2.41%), while CAH has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CAH or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.41%, versus 0.84% for CAH.
Is CAH or MRK safer?
CAH has the higher dividend-safety score (99/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAH or MRK better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, CAH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price (undervalued). For MRK, its fair-value estimate is 16% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.