MRK vs SPOK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK and SPOK are closely matched. SPOK offers the higher yield at 11.80%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and SPOK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 50% above its share price).
Key facts: MRK vs SPOK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Spok Holdings, Inc. (SPOK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.80%, versus 2.33% for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and SPOK's C (62/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and SPOK for 0.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK pays out 267% of its earnings as dividends and SPOK pays out 219%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price and SPOK's fair-value estimate is 50% above its share price, so SPOK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs SPOK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-spok
| Metric | MRK | SPOK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.33% | 11.80% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $1.25 |
| Payout ratio | 267% | 219% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 20.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 95% | 10% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 62 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $120.53 | $15.89 |
| Upside to fair value | -17% | +50% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $360.1B | $221.9M |
| P/E ratio | 115.8 | 18.6 |
Higher yield
SPOK
11.80%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
SPOK
20.2%
Better value
SPOK
+50% upside
MRK vs SPOK — FAQ
Is MRK or SPOK a better dividend stock?
MRK and SPOK are closely matched. SPOK has the higher yield; MRK scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MRK or SPOK?
SPOK has the higher forward dividend yield at 11.80%, versus 2.33% for MRK.
Is MRK or SPOK safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 62/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or SPOK better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, SPOK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 50% above its share price (undervalued). For MRK, its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.