MRK vs UHS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 28, 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 2.40%, UHS has the higher dividend-safety score, and UHS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 63% above its share price).
Key facts: MRK vs UHS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 28, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.40%, versus 0.45% for Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS).
- As of Oct 28, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and UHS's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 28, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and UHS for 0.
- As of Oct 28, 2026, MRK pays out 267% of its earnings as dividends and UHS pays out 3%.
- As of Oct 28, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price and UHS's fair-value estimate is 63% above its share price, so UHS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs UHS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 28, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-uhs
| Metric | MRK | UHS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.40% | 0.45% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $0.80 |
| Payout ratio | 267% | 3% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 0.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 94% | 57% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $122.43 | $289.31 |
| Upside to fair value | -14% | +63% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $349.9B | $10.5B |
| P/E ratio | 112.6 | 7.2 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.40%
Safer dividend
UHS
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
UHS
+63% upside
MRK vs UHS — FAQ
Is MRK or UHS a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MRK offers the higher yield (2.40%), while UHS 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 UHS?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.40%, versus 0.45% for UHS.
Is MRK or UHS safer?
UHS has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or UHS better value right now?
As of Oct 28, 2026, UHS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 63% above its share price (undervalued). For MRK, its fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.