MCK vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, MCK (McKesson Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.26%, MCK has the higher dividend-safety score, and MCK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price).
Key facts: MCK vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.26%, versus 0.35% for McKesson Corporation (MCK).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MCK's dividend safety A (97/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, MCK has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MCK pays out 9% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 343%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MCK's fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price, so MCK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MCK vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mck-vs-mrk
| Metric | MCK | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.35% | 2.26% |
| Annual dividend | $3.76 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 9% | 343% |
| Years of growth | 18 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 359% | 100% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $1,153.66 | $119.89 |
| Upside to fair value | +6% | -20% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $127.4B | $371.0B |
| P/E ratio | 28.2 | 151.9 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.26%
Safer dividend
MCK
Grade A
Faster growth
MCK
13.0%
Better value
MCK
+6% upside
MCK vs MRK — FAQ
Is MCK or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, MCK wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). MRK offers the higher yield (2.26%), while MCK has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MCK or MRK?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.26%, versus 0.35% for MCK.
Is MCK or MRK safer?
MCK has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MCK or MRK better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, MCK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price (fairly valued). For MRK, its fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.