GSK vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. GSK offers the higher yield at 3.60%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and GSK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 11% below its share price).
Key facts: GSK vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, GSK plc (GSK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.60%, versus 2.31% for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades GSK's dividend safety C (60/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, GSK has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, GSK pays out 63% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 343%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, GSK's fair-value estimate is 11% below its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price, so GSK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "GSK vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/gsk-vs-mrk
| Metric | GSK | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.60% | 2.31% |
| Annual dividend | $1.82 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 63% | 343% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -4.0% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 20% | 100% |
| Dividend safety score | 60 (C) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $44.63 | $119.89 |
| Upside to fair value | -11% | -18% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $101.0B | $362.5B |
| P/E ratio | 17.6 | 148.4 |
Higher yield
GSK
3.60%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
GSK
-11% upside
GSK vs MRK — FAQ
Is GSK or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). GSK offers the higher yield (3.60%), 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, GSK or MRK?
GSK has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.60%, versus 2.31% for MRK.
Is GSK or MRK safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 60/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is GSK or MRK better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, GSK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 11% below its share price (fairly valued). 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.