CVS vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, CVS and MRK are closely matched. CVS offers the higher yield at 3.27%, CVS has the higher dividend-safety score, and CVS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 45% above its share price).
Key facts: CVS vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, CVS Health Corporation (CVS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.27%, versus 2.31% for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CVS's dividend safety A (91/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, CVS has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, CVS pays out 31% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 343%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, CVS's fair-value estimate is 45% above its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price, so CVS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CVS vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cvs-vs-mrk
| Metric | CVS | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.27% | 2.31% |
| Annual dividend | $2.66 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 31% | 343% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.9% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 1% | 100% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $118.19 | $119.89 |
| Upside to fair value | +45% | -18% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $104.1B | $362.5B |
| P/E ratio | 9.4 | 148.4 |
Higher yield
CVS
3.27%
Safer dividend
CVS
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
CVS
+45% upside
CVS vs MRK — FAQ
Is CVS or MRK a better dividend stock?
CVS and MRK are closely matched. CVS has the higher yield; CVS scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CVS or MRK?
CVS has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.27%, versus 2.31% for MRK.
Is CVS or MRK safer?
CVS has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CVS or MRK better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, CVS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 45% 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.