EHC vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.32%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price).
Key facts: EHC vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.32%, versus 0.61% for Encompass Health Corporation (EHC).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades EHC's dividend safety C (63/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, EHC has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, EHC pays out 12% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 343%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, EHC's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "EHC vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ehc-vs-mrk
| Metric | EHC | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.61% | 2.32% |
| Annual dividend | $0.84 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 12% | 343% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -4.7% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 200% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 63 (C) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $104.81 | $131.45 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | -10% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $13.5B | $361.7B |
| P/E ratio | 22.0 | 148.2 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.32%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
MRK
-10% upside
EHC vs MRK — FAQ
Is EHC or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). MRK offers the higher yield (2.32%), 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, EHC or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.32%, versus 0.61% for EHC.
Is EHC or MRK safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 63/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is EHC or MRK better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, MRK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price (fairly valued). For EHC, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.