EMBC vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 6 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.33%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and EMBC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 162% above its share price).
Key facts: EMBC 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 0.64% for Embecta Corp. (EMBC).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades EMBC's dividend safety C (59/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, EMBC has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, EMBC pays out 31% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 267%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, EMBC's fair-value estimate is 162% above its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price, so EMBC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "EMBC vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/embc-vs-mrk
| Metric | EMBC | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.64% | 2.33% |
| Annual dividend | $0.04 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 31% | 267% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | — | 95% |
| Dividend safety score | 59 (C) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $16.42 | $120.53 |
| Upside to fair value | +162% | -17% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $355.3M | $360.1B |
| P/E ratio | 4.3 | 115.8 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.33%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
EMBC
+162% upside
EMBC vs MRK — FAQ
Is EMBC or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (4 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, EMBC or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.33%, versus 0.64% for EMBC.
Is EMBC or MRK safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 59/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is EMBC or MRK better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, EMBC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 162% above its share price (undervalued). 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.