MRK vs NRC: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NRC offers the higher yield at 3.18%, MRK 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: MRK vs NRC
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, NRC Health (NRC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.18%, versus 2.33% for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and NRC's D (45/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and NRC for 1.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK pays out 267% of its earnings as dividends and NRC pays out 250%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price and NRC's fair-value estimate is 50% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs NRC: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-nrc
| Metric | MRK | NRC |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.33% | 3.18% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $0.64 |
| Payout ratio | 267% | 250% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | -9.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 95% | -50% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 45 (D) |
| Fair value estimate | $120.53 | $10.09 |
| Upside to fair value | -17% | -50% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $360.1B | $446.1M |
| P/E ratio | 115.8 | 84.0 |
Higher yield
NRC
3.18%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
MRK
-17% upside
MRK vs NRC — FAQ
Is MRK or NRC a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). NRC offers the higher yield (3.18%), while MRK has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MRK or NRC?
NRC has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.18%, versus 2.33% for MRK.
Is MRK or NRC safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 45/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or NRC 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 NRC, its fair-value estimate is 50% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.