MRK vs UTMD: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK and UTMD are closely matched. MRK offers the higher yield at 2.33%, UTMD has the higher dividend-safety score, and UTMD looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 50% above its share price).
Key facts: MRK vs UTMD
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 1.66% for Utah Medical Products, Inc. (UTMD).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and UTMD's A (96/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and UTMD for 21.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK pays out 267% of its earnings as dividends and UTMD pays out 38%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price and UTMD's fair-value estimate is 50% above its share price, so UTMD looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs UTMD: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-utmd
| Metric | MRK | UTMD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.33% | 1.66% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $1.24 |
| Payout ratio | 267% | 38% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 1.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 95% | -33% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 96 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $120.53 | $112.03 |
| Upside to fair value | -17% | +50% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $360.1B | $236.5M |
| P/E ratio | 115.8 | 22.7 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.33%
Safer dividend
UTMD
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
UTMD
+50% upside
MRK vs UTMD — FAQ
Is MRK or UTMD a better dividend stock?
MRK and UTMD are closely matched. MRK has the higher yield; UTMD scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MRK or UTMD?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.33%, versus 1.66% for UTMD.
Is MRK or UTMD safer?
UTMD has the higher dividend-safety score (96/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or UTMD better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, UTMD looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 50% above its share price (undervalued). For MRK, its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.