IRMD 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 MRK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price).
Key facts: IRMD 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 0.91% for IRADIMED CORPORATION (IRMD).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades IRMD's dividend safety C (58/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, IRMD has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, IRMD pays out 41% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 267%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, IRMD's fair-value estimate is 58% below its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "IRMD vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/irmd-vs-mrk
| Metric | IRMD | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.91% | 2.33% |
| Annual dividend | $0.80 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 41% | 267% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 95% |
| Dividend safety score | 58 (C) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $36.88 | $120.53 |
| Upside to fair value | -58% | -17% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $1.1B | $360.1B |
| P/E ratio | 49.3 | 115.8 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.33%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
MRK
-17% upside
IRMD vs MRK — FAQ
Is IRMD 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, IRMD or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.33%, versus 0.91% for IRMD.
Is IRMD or MRK safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 58/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is IRMD or MRK better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price (overvalued). For IRMD, its fair-value estimate is 58% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.