MRK vs STE: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK and STE are closely matched. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.31%, STE 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 STE
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 1.11% for STERIS plc (STE).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and STE's A (94/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and STE for 20.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK pays out 343% of its earnings as dividends and STE pays out 31%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price and STE's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs STE: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-ste
| Metric | MRK | STE |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.31% | 1.11% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $2.76 |
| Payout ratio | 343% | 31% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 20 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 8.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 100% | 4% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 94 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $119.89 | $192.08 |
| Upside to fair value | -18% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $362.5B | $24.8B |
| P/E ratio | 148.4 | 30.1 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.31%
Safer dividend
STE
Grade A
Faster growth
STE
8.9%
Better value
MRK
-18% upside
MRK vs STE — FAQ
Is MRK or STE a better dividend stock?
MRK and STE are closely matched. MRK has the higher yield; STE scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MRK or STE?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 1.11% for STE.
Is MRK or STE safer?
STE has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or STE 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 STE, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.