MRK vs SNY: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SNY offers the higher yield at 5.16%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and SNY looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price).
Key facts: MRK vs SNY
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Sanofi (SNY) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.16%, versus 2.31% for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and SNY's C (52/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and SNY for 3.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK pays out 343% of its earnings as dividends and SNY pays out 120%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price and SNY's fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price, so SNY looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs SNY: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-sny
| Metric | MRK | SNY |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.31% | 5.16% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $2.42 |
| Payout ratio | 343% | 120% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 4.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 100% | -7% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 52 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $119.89 | $63.61 |
| Upside to fair value | -18% | +36% |
| Frequency | quarterly | annual |
| Market cap | $362.5B | $112.4B |
| P/E ratio | 148.4 | 23.3 |
Higher yield
SNY
5.16%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
SNY
+36% upside
MRK vs SNY — FAQ
Is MRK or SNY a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). SNY offers the higher yield (5.16%), 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 SNY?
SNY has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.16%, versus 2.31% for MRK.
Is MRK or SNY safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 52/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or SNY better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, SNY looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 36% above its share price (undervalued). 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.