MRK vs TMO: 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. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.31%, TMO 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 TMO
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 0.28% for Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and TMO's A (91/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and TMO for 8.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK pays out 343% of its earnings as dividends and TMO pays out 10%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price and TMO's fair-value estimate is 38% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs TMO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-tmo
| Metric | MRK | TMO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.31% | 0.28% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $1.88 |
| Payout ratio | 343% | 10% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 8 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 14.3% |
| 5-yr total return | 100% | 10% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 91 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $119.89 | $422.22 |
| Upside to fair value | -18% | -38% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $362.5B | $250.8B |
| P/E ratio | 148.4 | 35.7 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.31%
Safer dividend
TMO
Grade A
Faster growth
TMO
14.3%
Better value
MRK
-18% upside
MRK vs TMO — FAQ
Is MRK or TMO a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MRK offers the higher yield (2.31%), while TMO 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 TMO?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 0.28% for TMO.
Is MRK or TMO safer?
TMO has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or TMO 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 TMO, its fair-value estimate is 38% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.