LH vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 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 2.31%, LH has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price).
Key facts: LH 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 0.79% for Labcorp Holdings Inc. (LH).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades LH's dividend safety A (91/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, LH has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, LH pays out 24% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 343%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, LH's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "LH vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/lh-vs-mrk
| Metric | LH | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.79% | 2.31% |
| Annual dividend | $2.88 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 24% | 343% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 47% | 100% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $278.32 | $119.89 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | -18% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $29.5B | $362.5B |
| P/E ratio | 30.1 | 148.4 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.31%
Safer dividend
LH
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
MRK
-18% upside
LH vs MRK — FAQ
Is LH or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). MRK offers the higher yield (2.31%), while LH has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, LH or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 0.79% for LH.
Is LH or MRK safer?
LH has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is LH or MRK better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price (overvalued). For LH, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.