MRK vs ZTS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK and ZTS are closely matched. ZTS offers the higher yield at 2.38%, MRK has the higher dividend-safety score, and ZTS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 11% above its share price).
Key facts: MRK vs ZTS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Zoetis Inc. (ZTS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.38%, versus 2.31% for Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MRK's dividend safety A (88/100) and ZTS's B (79/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, MRK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and ZTS for 12.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK pays out 343% of its earnings as dividends and ZTS pays out 34%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, MRK's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price and ZTS's fair-value estimate is 11% above its share price, so ZTS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MRK vs ZTS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mrk-vs-zts
| Metric | MRK | ZTS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.31% | 2.38% |
| Annual dividend | $3.40 | $2.12 |
| Payout ratio | 343% | 34% |
| Years of growth | 15 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.7% | 20.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 100% | -64% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 79 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $119.89 | $91.31 |
| Upside to fair value | -18% | +11% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $362.5B | $33.9B |
| P/E ratio | 148.4 | 14.7 |
Higher yield
ZTS
2.38%
Safer dividend
MRK
Grade A
Faster growth
ZTS
20.1%
Better value
ZTS
+11% upside
MRK vs ZTS — FAQ
Is MRK or ZTS a better dividend stock?
MRK and ZTS are closely matched. ZTS has the higher yield; MRK scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MRK or ZTS?
ZTS has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.38%, versus 2.31% for MRK.
Is MRK or ZTS safer?
MRK has the higher dividend-safety score (88/100 vs 79/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MRK or ZTS better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, ZTS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 11% 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.