MDT vs MRK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, MDT (Medtronic plc) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MDT offers the higher yield at 3.02%, MDT has the higher dividend-safety score, and MDT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price).
Key facts: MDT vs MRK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Medtronic plc (MDT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.02%, versus 2.34% for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MDT's dividend safety A (90/100) and MRK's A (88/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, MDT has raised its dividend for 25 consecutive years and MRK for 15.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, MDT pays out 70% of its earnings as dividends and MRK pays out 267%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, MDT's fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price and MRK's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price, so MDT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MDT vs MRK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mdt-vs-mrk
| Metric | MDT | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.02% | 2.34% |
| Annual dividend | $2.88 | $3.40 |
| Payout ratio | 70% | 267% |
| Years of growth | 25 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 4.4% | 6.7% |
| 5-yr total return | -11% | 94% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $86.12 | $121.01 |
| Upside to fair value | -10% | -17% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $122.0B | $358.4B |
| P/E ratio | 23.4 | 115.3 |
Higher yield
MDT
3.02%
Safer dividend
MDT
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
MDT
-10% upside
MDT vs MRK — FAQ
Is MDT or MRK a better dividend stock?
On the data, MDT wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MDT offers the higher yield (3.02%), while MDT has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MDT or MRK?
MDT has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.02%, versus 2.34% for MRK.
Is MDT or MRK safer?
MDT has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MDT or MRK better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, MDT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price (fairly valued). For MRK, its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.