ENSG vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 2026, ENSG (The Ensign Group, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.30%, ENSG has the higher dividend-safety score, and ENSG trades at the larger discount to fair value (+4%).
| Metric | ENSG | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.15% | 2.30% |
| Annual dividend | $0.26 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 4% | 269% |
| Years of growth | 18 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 4.6% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 123% | 67% |
| Dividend safety score | 93 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $180.77 | $135.77 |
| Upside to fair value | +4% | -8% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $10.2B | $368.3B |
| P/E ratio | 27.3 | 119.4 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.30%
Safer dividend
ENSG
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
ENSG
+4% upside
ENSG vs MRK — FAQ
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