MRK vs SDMHF: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.31%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price).
Key facts: MRK vs SDMHF
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 0.32% for Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. (SDMHF).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and SDMHF's C (62/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and SDMHF for 1.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK pays out 343% of its earnings as dividends and SDMHF pays out 21%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price and SDMHF's fair-value estimate is 59% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs SDMHF: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-sdmhf
| Metric | MRK | SDMHF |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.31% | 0.32% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $0.80 |
| Payout ratio | 343% | 21% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 1 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 14.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 100% | -54% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 62 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $119.89 | $101.10 |
| Upside to fair value | -18% | -59% |
| Frequency | quarterly | annual |
| Market cap | $362.5B | $24.1B |
| P/E ratio | 148.4 | 64.1 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.31%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
SDMHF
14.4%
Better value
MRK
-18% upside
MRK vs SDMHF — FAQ
Is MRK or SDMHF a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). MRK offers the higher yield (2.31%), 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 SDMHF?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 0.32% for SDMHF.
Is MRK or SDMHF safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 62/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or SDMHF better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price (overvalued). For SDMHF, its fair-value estimate is 59% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.