CHE vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CHE (Chemed Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.33%, CHE has the higher dividend-safety score, and CHE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 34% above its share price).
Key facts: CHE vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.33%, versus 0.55% for Chemed Corporation (CHE).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CHE's dividend safety A (90/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CHE has raised its dividend for 17 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CHE pays out 12% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 267%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CHE's fair-value estimate is 34% above its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price, so CHE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CHE vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/che-vs-mrk
| Metric | CHE | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.55% | 2.33% |
| Annual dividend | $2.80 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 12% | 267% |
| Years of growth | 17 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 10.8% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 10% | 95% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $686.78 | $120.53 |
| Upside to fair value | +34% | -17% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $6.7B | $360.1B |
| P/E ratio | 25.2 | 115.8 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.33%
Safer dividend
CHE
Grade A
Faster growth
CHE
10.8%
Better value
CHE
+34% upside
CHE vs MRK — FAQ
Is CHE or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, CHE wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MRK offers the higher yield (2.33%), while CHE has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CHE or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.33%, versus 0.55% for CHE.
Is CHE or MRK safer?
CHE has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CHE or MRK better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CHE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 34% above its share price (undervalued). For MRK, its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.