MRK vs RYLPF: 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. RYLPF offers the higher yield at 3.22%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and RYLPF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price).
Key facts: MRK vs RYLPF
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Koninklijke Philips N.V. (RYLPF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.22%, versus 2.31% for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and RYLPF's C (50/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and RYLPF for 1.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK pays out 343% of its earnings as dividends and RYLPF pays out 207%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price and RYLPF's fair-value estimate is 13% below its share price, so RYLPF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs RYLPF: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-rylpf
| Metric | MRK | RYLPF |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.31% | 3.22% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $0.99 |
| Payout ratio | 343% | 207% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 100% | -23% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 50 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $119.89 | $26.86 |
| Upside to fair value | -18% | -13% |
| Frequency | quarterly | annual |
| Market cap | $362.5B | $30.0B |
| P/E ratio | 148.4 | 64.0 |
Higher yield
RYLPF
3.22%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
RYLPF
-13% upside
MRK vs RYLPF — FAQ
Is MRK or RYLPF a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). RYLPF offers the higher yield (3.22%), 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 RYLPF?
RYLPF has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.22%, versus 2.31% for MRK.
Is MRK or RYLPF safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 50/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or RYLPF better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, RYLPF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 13% below 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.