MRK vs UHS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of July 2026, MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.67%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and UHS trades at the larger discount to fair value (+103%).
| Metric | MRK | UHS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.67% | 0.53% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $0.80 |
| Payout ratio | 94% | 3% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 0.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 67% | -3% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 88 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $128.06 | $307.54 |
| Upside to fair value | +0% | +103% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $307.2B | $9.1B |
| P/E ratio | 36.0 | 6.3 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.67%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
UHS
+103% upside
MRK vs UHS — FAQ
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