MRK vs VTRS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK (Merck & Co., Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. VTRS offers the higher yield at 2.49%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and VTRS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price).
Key facts: MRK vs VTRS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Viatris Inc. (VTRS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.49%, versus 2.31% for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and VTRS's A (86/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and VTRS for 0.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price and VTRS's fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price, so VTRS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs VTRS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-vtrs
| Metric | MRK | VTRS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.31% | 2.49% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $0.48 |
| Payout ratio | 343% | 960% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 100% | 55% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 86 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $119.89 | $22.15 |
| Upside to fair value | -18% | +17% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $362.5B | $21.8B |
| P/E ratio | 148.4 | — |
Higher yield
VTRS
2.49%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
VTRS
+17% upside
MRK vs VTRS — FAQ
Is MRK or VTRS a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). VTRS offers the higher yield (2.49%), 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 VTRS?
VTRS has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.49%, versus 2.31% for MRK.
Is MRK or VTRS safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 86/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or VTRS better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, VTRS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price (undervalued). For MRK, its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.