DGX vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, DGX and MRK are closely matched. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.31%, DGX has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price).
Key facts: DGX 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 1.35% for Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades DGX's dividend safety A (94/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, DGX has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, DGX pays out 25% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 343%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, DGX's fair-value estimate is 29% below its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "DGX vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/dgx-vs-mrk
| Metric | DGX | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.35% | 2.31% |
| Annual dividend | $3.44 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 25% | 343% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.3% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 69% | 100% |
| Dividend safety score | 94 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $181.72 | $119.89 |
| Upside to fair value | -29% | -18% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $28.1B | $362.5B |
| P/E ratio | 25.4 | 148.4 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.31%
Safer dividend
DGX
Grade A
Faster growth
DGX
7.3%
Better value
MRK
-18% upside
DGX vs MRK — FAQ
Is DGX or MRK a better dividend stock?
DGX and MRK are closely matched. MRK has the higher yield; DGX scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, DGX or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 1.35% for DGX.
Is DGX or MRK safer?
DGX has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is DGX or MRK better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price (overvalued). For DGX, its fair-value estimate is 29% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.