MDT vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of July 2026, MDT and MRK are closely matched. MDT offers the higher yield at 3.51%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and MDT trades at the larger discount to fair value (+10%).
| Metric | MDT | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.51% | 2.61% |
| Annual dividend | $2.88 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 76% | 94% |
| Years of growth | 25 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 4.4% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -38% | 72% |
| Dividend safety score | 86 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $91.66 | $128.13 |
| Upside to fair value | +10% | -2% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $106.5B | $323.7B |
| P/E ratio | 22.0 | 36.9 |
Higher yield
MDT
3.51%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
MDT
+10% upside
MDT vs MRK — FAQ
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