MRK vs RMD: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK and RMD are closely matched. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.31%, RMD has the higher dividend-safety score, and RMD looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 7% above its share price).
Key facts: MRK vs RMD
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 1.10% for ResMed Inc. (RMD).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and RMD's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and RMD for 13.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK pays out 343% of its earnings as dividends and RMD pays out 22%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price and RMD's fair-value estimate is 7% above its share price, so RMD looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs RMD: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-rmd
| Metric | MRK | RMD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.31% | 1.10% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $2.64 |
| Payout ratio | 343% | 22% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 13 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 7.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 100% | -10% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $119.89 | $255.98 |
| Upside to fair value | -18% | +7% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $362.5B | $33.7B |
| P/E ratio | 148.4 | 21.8 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.31%
Safer dividend
RMD
Grade A
Faster growth
RMD
7.7%
Better value
RMD
+7% upside
MRK vs RMD — FAQ
Is MRK or RMD a better dividend stock?
MRK and RMD are closely matched. MRK has the higher yield; RMD scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MRK or RMD?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 1.10% for RMD.
Is MRK or RMD safer?
RMD has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or RMD better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, RMD looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 7% above its share price (fairly valued). For MRK, its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.