CON vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 3 of 5 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.33%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and CON looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 8% below its share price).
Key facts: CON 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 0.65% for Concentra Group Holdings Parent, Inc. (CON).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CON has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CON pays out 16% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 267%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CON's fair-value estimate is 8% below its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price, so CON looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CON vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/con-vs-mrk
| Metric | CON | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.65% | 2.33% |
| Annual dividend | $0.25 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 16% | 267% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | — | 95% |
| Dividend safety score | — | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $35.35 | $120.53 |
| Upside to fair value | -8% | -17% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $4.9B | $360.1B |
| P/E ratio | 24.9 | 115.8 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.33%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
CON
-8% upside
CON vs MRK — FAQ
Is CON or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (3 vs 2). MRK offers the higher yield (2.33%), while MRK has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CON or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.33%, versus 0.65% for CON.
Is CON or MRK safer?
Compare each stock's payout ratio, growth streak and cut history on its detail page to judge safety.
Is CON or MRK better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CON looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 8% below its share price (fairly valued). 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.