LLY vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 8, 2026, LLY (Eli Lilly and Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.38%, LLY 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: LLY 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 0.58% for Eli Lilly and Company (LLY).
- As of Oct 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades LLY's dividend safety A (95/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 8, 2026, LLY has raised its dividend for 11 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Oct 8, 2026, LLY pays out 22% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 267%.
- As of Oct 8, 2026, LLY's fair-value estimate is 34% 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, "LLY vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/lly-vs-mrk
| Metric | LLY | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.58% | 2.38% |
| Annual dividend | $6.92 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 22% | 267% |
| Years of growth | 11 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 15.2% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 349% | 64% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $779.31 | $121.12 |
| Upside to fair value | -34% | -15% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $1.1T | $352.3B |
| P/E ratio | 38.9 | 113.3 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.38%
Safer dividend
LLY
Grade A
Faster growth
LLY
15.2%
Better value
MRK
-15% upside
LLY vs MRK — FAQ
Is LLY or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, LLY wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MRK offers the higher yield (2.38%), while LLY has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, LLY or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.38%, versus 0.58% for LLY.
Is LLY or MRK safer?
LLY has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is LLY 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 LLY, its fair-value estimate is 34% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.