Dividend comparison
MRK vs PFE: Which Is Better for Income?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for Merck & Co., Inc. and Pfizer Inc., side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
MRK vs PFE: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
- Income. PFE pays more income, yielding 5.84% over the last twelve months versus 2.37% for MRK. That is about $348 more a year on $10,000. Both pay quarterly.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, MRK returned 112.0% versus -8.3% for PFE, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $21,198 in MRK and $9,169 in PFE.
- Risk. PFE has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 5 years was -58.9%, against -43.4% for MRK.
- Dividend growth. MRK grew its yearly payout 6.3% a year over the last 4 years, versus 2.5% for PFE.
Bottom line: MRK fits better if you care most about stronger 5-year returns, smaller drawdowns and faster dividend growth. PFE fits better if you care most about more income today.
Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
| Metric | MRK Merck & Co., Inc. | PFE Pfizer Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 2.37% | 5.84% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $3.40 | $1.72 |
| Payout frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Last dividend | $0.8500 on Oct 7, 2026 | $0.4300 on Sep 1, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Sep 15, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 |
| Next payment | — | $0.4300 on Dec 7, 2026 |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 6.3% over 4 yrs | 2.5% over 4 yrs |
| Price | $148.30 | $30.11 |
| Payout ratio (TTM) | 261.5% | 225.7% |
| Dividend growth streak | 15 years | 16 years |
| Beta | 0.22 | 0.28 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -43.4% | -58.9% |
| Market cap | $360.12B | $168.60B |
| Exchange | NYSE | NYSE |
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.
MRK
$19.72/mo
$237 /yr at 2.37% yield
PFE
$48.69/mo
$584 /yr at 5.84% yield
Dividend history
Total dividends paid per share in each calendar year. MRK pays quarterly; PFE pays quarterly.
| Year | MRK | PFE |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3.2400 | $1.7200 |
| 2024 | $3.0800 | $1.6800 |
| 2023 | $2.9200 | $1.6400 |
| 2022 | $2.7600 | $1.6000 |
| 2021 | $2.5405 | $1.5600 |
Strategy: Dividend stocks
Individual companies with long records of paying and raising dividends. Comparing two of them comes down to how safe the payout is, measured by the payout ratio and balance sheet, how fast it has grown, and what the business needs to keep earning it. A single stock carries company-specific risk that a fund spreads out.
A single company can cut or suspend its dividend, and one holding can fall far more than a diversified fund.
Performance
Total returns with dividends reinvested, from the adjusted closing price series. $10,000 invested on Oct 20, 2021 would now be worth $21,198 in MRK and $9,169 in PFE.
| Period | MRK | PFE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 0.97% | 8.86% |
| 3 months | 19.92% | 23.81% |
| Year to date | 43.79% | 27.15% |
| 1 year | 76.82% | 30.52% |
| 3 years | 57.38% | 19.15% |
| 5 years | 111.98% | -8.31% |
- MRK
- PFE
Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-10-20 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Quick verdict
MRK fits better if you care most about stronger 5-year returns, smaller drawdowns and faster dividend growth. PFE fits better if you care most about more income today. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.
Still deciding? Compare them in your portfolio
Forecast dividend income, track payouts, and see how MRK vs PFE fits with the rest of your holdings. Free to start — no credit card required for the trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is MRK or PFE better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. MRK currently yields 2.37% Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) while PFE yields 5.84%. Higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, but may come with different risk, growth, or NAV characteristics. Compare total return and payout sustainability — not just the headline yield.
What is the difference between MRK and PFE?
Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) is a stock listed on NYSE. Pfizer Inc. (PFE) is a stock listed on NYSE. Side-by-side metrics on this page cover yield, fees, returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history when available.
Which has performed better, MRK or PFE?
Over the last 5 years, MRK has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: MRK returned 112.0% and PFE returned -8.3%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, MRK or PFE?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, PFE has been riskier: MRK fell as much as 43.4% and PFE as much as 58.9%. Their betas are 0.22 and 0.28.
How often do MRK and PFE pay dividends?
Both pay quarterly. The most recent payments were $0.8500 for MRK and $0.4300 for PFE.
How much income does $10,000 in MRK vs PFE generate?
At current TTM yields, $10,000 in MRK would generate roughly $19.72 per month ($237 annually). The same amount in PFE would produce about $48.69 per month ($584 annually). Actual payouts vary with distribution changes and reinvestment.
Can I hold both MRK and PFE?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify strategy or index exposure. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on overlapping holdings and factor exposure. Model both inside Dividend Wealth to see combined income, sector mix, and forecast impact.
Where can I compare MRK vs PFE with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how MRK and PFE fit alongside the rest of your portfolio. A 14-day free trial of Standard is available with no credit card required; a limited Free plan is also available.
For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.