MRK vs SYK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of July 2026, SYK (Stryker Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.61%, SYK has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRK trades at the larger discount to fair value (-2%).
| Metric | MRK | SYK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.61% | 1.07% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $3.52 |
| Payout ratio | 94% | 40% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 7.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 72% | 19% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 93 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $128.13 | $228.64 |
| Upside to fair value | -2% | -31% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $323.7B | $126.6B |
| P/E ratio | 36.9 | 38.2 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.61%
Safer dividend
SYK
Grade A
Faster growth
SYK
7.6%
Better value
MRK
-2% upside
MRK vs SYK — FAQ
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.