MRK vs WST: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 31, 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 2.27%, WST has the higher dividend-safety score, and MRK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price).
Key facts: MRK vs WST
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 31, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.27%, versus 0.25% for West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (WST).
- As of Oct 31, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and WST's A (99/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 31, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and WST for 33.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MRK pays out 267% of its earnings as dividends and WST pays out 11%.
- As of Oct 31, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price and WST's fair-value estimate is 62% below its share price, so MRK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs WST: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 31, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-wst
| Metric | MRK | WST |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.27% | 0.25% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $1.04 |
| Payout ratio | 267% | 11% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 33 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 5.5% |
| 5-yr total return | 100% | -7% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 99 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $122.43 | $156.02 |
| Upside to fair value | -18% | -62% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $368.9B | $28.8B |
| P/E ratio | 118.7 | 52.8 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.27%
Safer dividend
WST
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
MRK
-18% upside
MRK vs WST — FAQ
Is MRK or WST a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MRK offers the higher yield (2.27%), while WST 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 WST?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.27%, versus 0.25% for WST.
Is MRK or WST safer?
WST has the higher dividend-safety score (99/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or WST better value right now?
As of Oct 31, 2026, MRK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price (overvalued). For WST, its fair-value estimate is 62% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.