HSTM vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.33%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and HSTM looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price).
Key facts: HSTM 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 0.41% for HealthStream, Inc. (HSTM).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HSTM's dividend safety B (72/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, HSTM has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HSTM pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 267%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HSTM's fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price, so HSTM looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HSTM vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hstm-vs-mrk
| Metric | HSTM | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.41% | 2.33% |
| Annual dividend | $0.14 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 267% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 43% | 95% |
| Dividend safety score | 72 (B) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $41.79 | $120.53 |
| Upside to fair value | +26% | -17% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $1.0B | $360.1B |
| P/E ratio | 46.0 | 115.8 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.33%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
HSTM
+26% upside
HSTM vs MRK — FAQ
Is HSTM or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (5 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, HSTM or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.33%, versus 0.41% for HSTM.
Is HSTM or MRK safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 72/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HSTM or MRK better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, HSTM looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 26% 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.