MRK vs USPH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.33%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price).
Key facts: MRK vs USPH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.33%, versus 2.15% for U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. (USPH).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and USPH's B (76/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and USPH for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price and USPH's fair-value estimate is 31% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs USPH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-usph
| Metric | MRK | USPH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.33% | 2.15% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $1.84 |
| Payout ratio | 267% | 1011% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 7.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 95% | -0% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 76 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $120.53 | $58.96 |
| Upside to fair value | -17% | -31% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $360.1B | $1.3B |
| P/E ratio | 115.8 | 476.2 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.33%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
USPH
7.1%
Better value
MRK
-17% upside
MRK vs USPH — FAQ
Is MRK or USPH a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). MRK offers the higher yield (2.33%), while MRK 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 USPH?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.33%, versus 2.15% for USPH.
Is MRK or USPH safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 76/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or USPH better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price (overvalued). For USPH, its fair-value estimate is 31% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.