MRK vs NVS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 9, 2026, NVS (Novartis AG) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NVS offers the higher yield at 3.31%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and NVS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 21% above its share price).
Key facts: MRK vs NVS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 9, 2026, Novartis AG (NVS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.31%, versus 2.39% for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK).
- As of Oct 9, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and NVS's C (60/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 9, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and NVS for 3.
- As of Oct 9, 2026, MRK pays out 267% of its earnings as dividends and NVS pays out 72%.
- As of Oct 9, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price and NVS's fair-value estimate is 21% above its share price, so NVS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs NVS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 9, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-nvs
| Metric | MRK | NVS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.39% | 3.31% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $4.74 |
| Payout ratio | 267% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 5.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 64% | 70% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 60 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $121.12 | $172.46 |
| Upside to fair value | -15% | +21% |
| Frequency | quarterly | annual |
| Market cap | $351.3B | $272.0B |
| P/E ratio | 113.0 | 21.6 |
Higher yield
NVS
3.31%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
NVS
+21% upside
MRK vs NVS — FAQ
Is MRK or NVS a better dividend stock?
On the data, NVS wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). NVS offers the higher yield (3.31%), 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 NVS?
NVS has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.31%, versus 2.39% for MRK.
Is MRK or NVS safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 60/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or NVS better value right now?
As of Oct 9, 2026, NVS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 21% above its share price (undervalued). For MRK, its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.