JNJ vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 8, 2026, JNJ and MRK are closely matched. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.38%, JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price).
Key facts: JNJ vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 8, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.38%, versus 2.07% for Johnson & Johnson (JNJ).
- As of Oct 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades JNJ's dividend safety A (93/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 8, 2026, JNJ has raised its dividend for 55 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Oct 8, 2026, JNJ pays out 61% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 267%.
- As of Oct 8, 2026, JNJ's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "JNJ vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/jnj-vs-mrk
| Metric | JNJ | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.07% | 2.38% |
| Annual dividend | $5.36 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 61% | 267% |
| Years of growth | 55 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.2% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 57% | 64% |
| Dividend safety score | 93 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $212.77 | $121.12 |
| Upside to fair value | -18% | -15% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $622.8B | $352.3B |
| P/E ratio | 29.9 | 113.3 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.38%
Safer dividend
JNJ
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
MRK
-15% upside
JNJ vs MRK — FAQ
Is JNJ or MRK a better dividend stock?
JNJ and MRK are closely matched. MRK has the higher yield; JNJ scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, JNJ or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.38%, versus 2.07% for JNJ.
Is JNJ or MRK safer?
JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is JNJ or MRK better value right now?
As of Oct 8, 2026, MRK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price (overvalued). For JNJ, 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.