LMAT 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%, LMAT 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: LMAT 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 1.24% for LeMaitre Vascular, Inc. (LMAT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades LMAT's dividend safety A (88/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, LMAT has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, LMAT pays out 32% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 267%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, LMAT's fair-value estimate is 28% 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, "LMAT vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/lmat-vs-mrk
| Metric | LMAT | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.24% | 2.33% |
| Annual dividend | $1.00 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 32% | 267% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 16.1% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 73% | 95% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $58.45 | $120.53 |
| Upside to fair value | -28% | -17% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $1.8B | $360.1B |
| P/E ratio | 28.4 | 115.8 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.33%
Safer dividend
LMAT
Grade A
Faster growth
LMAT
16.1%
Better value
MRK
-17% upside
LMAT vs MRK — FAQ
Is LMAT 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 LMAT has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, LMAT or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.33%, versus 1.24% for LMAT.
Is LMAT or MRK safer?
LMAT has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is LMAT 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 LMAT, its fair-value estimate is 28% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.