HCA vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, HCA and MRK are closely matched. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.31%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and HCA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 7% above its share price).
Key facts: HCA vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 0.61% for HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HCA's dividend safety B (70/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, HCA has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, HCA pays out 10% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 343%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, HCA's fair-value estimate is 7% above its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price, so HCA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HCA vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hca-vs-mrk
| Metric | HCA | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.61% | 2.31% |
| Annual dividend | $3.12 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 10% | 343% |
| Years of growth | 5 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 33.5% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 110% | 100% |
| Dividend safety score | 70 (B) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $543.24 | $119.89 |
| Upside to fair value | +7% | -18% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $106.0B | $362.5B |
| P/E ratio | 16.8 | 148.4 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.31%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
HCA
33.5%
Better value
HCA
+7% upside
HCA vs MRK — FAQ
Is HCA or MRK a better dividend stock?
HCA and MRK are closely matched. MRK has the higher yield; MRK scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, HCA or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 0.61% for HCA.
Is HCA or MRK safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 70/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HCA or MRK better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, HCA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 7% above 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.