MRK vs ZBH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 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 2.31%, ZBH has the higher dividend-safety score, and ZBH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price).
Key facts: MRK vs ZBH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 0.87% for Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (ZBH).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and ZBH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and ZBH for 0.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK pays out 343% of its earnings as dividends and ZBH pays out 23%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price and ZBH's fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price, so ZBH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs ZBH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-zbh
| Metric | MRK | ZBH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.31% | 0.87% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $0.96 |
| Payout ratio | 343% | 23% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 0.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 100% | -19% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $119.89 | $111.17 |
| Upside to fair value | -18% | +4% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $362.5B | $20.4B |
| P/E ratio | 148.4 | 27.0 |
Higher yield
MRK
2.31%
Safer dividend
ZBH
Grade A
Faster growth
MRK
6.7%
Better value
ZBH
+4% upside
MRK vs ZBH — FAQ
Is MRK or ZBH a better dividend stock?
On the data, MRK wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MRK offers the higher yield (2.31%), while ZBH 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 ZBH?
MRK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 0.87% for ZBH.
Is MRK or ZBH safer?
ZBH has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or ZBH better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, ZBH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price (fairly valued). 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.