MRK vs PHG: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. PHG offers the higher yield at 3.32%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and PHG looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price).
Key facts: MRK vs PHG
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Koninklijke Philips N.V. (PHG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.32%, versus 2.31% for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and PHG's C (58/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and PHG for 1.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK pays out 343% of its earnings as dividends and PHG pays out 212%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price and PHG's fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price, so PHG looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs PHG: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-phg
| Metric | MRK | PHG |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.31% | 3.32% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $1.01 |
| Payout ratio | 343% | 212% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 100% | -23% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 58 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $119.89 | $30.92 |
| Upside to fair value | -18% | +1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | annual |
| Market cap | $362.5B | $29.8B |
| P/E ratio | 148.4 | 64.9 |
Higher yield
PHG
3.32%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
PHG
+1% upside
MRK vs PHG — FAQ
Is MRK or PHG a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). PHG offers the higher yield (3.32%), 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 PHG?
PHG has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.32%, versus 2.31% for MRK.
Is MRK or PHG safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 58/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or PHG better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, PHG looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price (fairly valued). For MRK, its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.