MRK vs PRGO: 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. PRGO offers the higher yield at 6.98%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and PRGO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 93% above its share price).
Key facts: MRK vs PRGO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Perrigo Company plc (PRGO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.98%, versus 2.33% for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and PRGO's B (68/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and PRGO for 12.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price and PRGO's fair-value estimate is 93% above its share price, so PRGO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs PRGO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-prgo
| Metric | MRK | PRGO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.33% | 6.98% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $1.16 |
| Payout ratio | 267% | 1349% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 5.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 95% | -55% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 68 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $120.53 | $32.12 |
| Upside to fair value | -17% | +93% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $360.1B | $2.3B |
| P/E ratio | 115.8 | — |
Higher yield
PRGO
6.98%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
PRGO
+93% upside
MRK vs PRGO — FAQ
Is MRK or PRGO a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). PRGO offers the higher yield (6.98%), 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 PRGO?
PRGO has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.98%, versus 2.33% for MRK.
Is MRK or PRGO safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 68/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or PRGO better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, PRGO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 93% above its share price (undervalued). 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.