COR vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, COR and MRK are closely matched. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.31%, COR has the higher dividend-safety score, and COR looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 18% above its share price).
Key facts: COR vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 0.78% for Cencora, Inc. (COR).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COR's dividend safety A (91/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, COR has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, COR pays out 17% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 343%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, COR's fair-value estimate is 18% above its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price, so COR looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COR vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cor-vs-mrk
| Metric | COR | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.78% | 2.31% |
| Annual dividend | $2.64 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 17% | 343% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -7.3% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 186% | 100% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $402.28 | $119.89 |
| Upside to fair value | +18% | -18% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $64.8B | $362.5B |
| P/E ratio | 18.9 | 148.4 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.31%
Safer dividend
COR
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
COR
+18% upside
COR vs MRK — FAQ
Is COR or MRK a better dividend stock?
COR and MRK are closely matched. MRK has the higher yield; COR scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, COR or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 0.78% for COR.
Is COR or MRK safer?
COR has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COR or MRK better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, COR looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 18% above its share price (undervalued). For MRK, its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.