HCA vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 2026, HCA and MRK are closely matched. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.31%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and HCA trades at the larger discount to fair value (+11%).
| Metric | HCA | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.73% | 2.31% |
| Annual dividend | $3.12 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 10% | 269% |
| Years of growth | 5 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 33.5% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 71% | 67% |
| Dividend safety score | 70 (B) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $473.43 | $135.77 |
| Upside to fair value | +11% | -8% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $94.9B | $362.4B |
| P/E ratio | 14.3 | 117.5 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.31%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
HCA
33.5%
Better value
HCA
+11% upside
HCA vs MRK — FAQ
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