MRK vs SGIOF: 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. SGIOF offers the higher yield at 2.86%, 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 SGIOF
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (SGIOF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.86%, versus 2.31% for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and SGIOF's C (61/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and SGIOF for 3.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK pays out 343% of its earnings as dividends and SGIOF pays out 23%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price and SGIOF's fair-value estimate is 53% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs SGIOF: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-sgiof
| Metric | MRK | SGIOF |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.31% | 2.86% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $0.49 |
| Payout ratio | 343% | 23% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 6.5% |
| 5-yr total return | 100% | -11% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 61 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $119.89 | $9.87 |
| Upside to fair value | -18% | -53% |
| Frequency | quarterly | semiannual |
| Market cap | $362.5B | $17.7B |
| P/E ratio | 148.4 | 11.6 |
Higher yield
SGIOF
2.86%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
MRK
-18% upside
MRK vs SGIOF — FAQ
Is MRK or SGIOF a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). SGIOF offers the higher yield (2.86%), 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 SGIOF?
SGIOF has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.86%, versus 2.31% for MRK.
Is MRK or SGIOF safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 61/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or SGIOF 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 SGIOF, its fair-value estimate is 53% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.