HUM vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, HUM (Humana Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.31%, HUM has the higher dividend-safety score, and HUM looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 15% above its share price).
Key facts: HUM 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 0.86% for Humana Inc. (HUM).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HUM's dividend safety A (96/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, HUM has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, HUM pays out 33% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 343%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, HUM's fair-value estimate is 15% above its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price, so HUM looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HUM vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hum-vs-mrk
| Metric | HUM | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.86% | 2.31% |
| Annual dividend | $3.54 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 33% | 343% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.2% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -1% | 100% |
| Dividend safety score | 96 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $475.52 | $119.89 |
| Upside to fair value | +15% | -18% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $49.4B | $362.5B |
| P/E ratio | 39.4 | 148.4 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.31%
Safer dividend
HUM
Grade A
Faster growth
HUM
7.2%
Better value
HUM
+15% upside
HUM vs MRK — FAQ
Is HUM or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, HUM wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MRK offers the higher yield (2.31%), while HUM has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, HUM or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 0.86% for HUM.
Is HUM or MRK safer?
HUM has the higher dividend-safety score (96/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HUM or MRK better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, HUM looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 15% above its share price (undervalued). 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.