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MRK

Merck & Co., Inc.

S&P 500
MRK|Healthcare|Drug Manufacturers - General|$116.37|P/E 15.9|MCap 285.4B|NYSE

Last update: Mar 25, 2026 at 04:53

About Merck & Co., Inc.

Merck & Co., Inc. operates as a leading healthcare company worldwide, focusing on human health pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and animal health products. Its portfolio includes blockbuster drugs like Keytruda for immuno-oncology, Gardasil for human papillomavirus prevention, and a range of treatments such as Welireg, ProQuad, Winrevair, Januvia, and others addressing cancer, infectious diseases, cardiometabolic conditions, and more. The company also provides veterinary solutions including Nuflor and Bovilis for livestock health management. With a substantial presence in oncology, its Keytruda leads sales contributions, complemented by vaccines targeting pediatric diseases. Merck & Co., Inc. generates significant revenue—$64.17 billion in 2024—from pharmaceuticals and vaccines, primarily in the U.S., while maintaining a diversified global footprint across consumer, business, and government sectors. Employing around 75,000 people, it plays a pivotal role in advancing treatments for chronic and infectious diseases, driving innovation in biopharmaceuticals and immunotherapy.

Dividend Overview

Dividend Yield

2.84%

Annual Dividend

$3.28

Frequency

Quarterly

Payout Ratio

45.05%

FCF Payout Ratio

66.15%

Stock Price

$116.37

52-Week Range

$73.31 $125.14

Dividend Health Score

84/ 100Very Safe

MRK's dividend appears very safe. Strengths include a 45.1% earnings payout ratio & 44.2% cfo payout ratio. Areas of concern: Volatile profit margin stability. The dividend has been growing at a 6.75% 5-year CAGR.

Based on 15 of 15 metrics

Payout & Coverage

Safe
Earnings Payout Ratio
45.1%Very Safe
FCF Payout Ratio
66.1%Caution
CFO Payout Ratio
44.2%Safe
Interest Coverage
16.5xVery Safe

Balance Sheet

Safe
Net Debt / Total Assets
25.4%Safe
Current Ratio
1.5xSafe
Debt-to-Equity
96.0Safe

Profitability

Safe
Return on Equity
36.9%Very Safe
Operating Margin
32.8%Very Safe
Gross Margin
66.1%Very Safe
Profit Margin Stability
VolatileWarning

Dividend Track Record

Very Safe
Dividend Streak
11+ yrsVery Safe
Dividend Cut
NoneVery Safe
5-Year Dividend CAGR
6.8%Safe
Earnings Stability
GrowingVery Safe

Dividend History (2016–2025)

MRK annual dividend per share and yield history

Earnings & Profitability

MRK earnings per share and net profit margin

Key Dates

Next Ex-Dividend Date

March 16, 2026

Next Payment Date

April 7, 2026

Dividend Growth

3-Year Dividend CAGR

5.42%

5-Year Dividend CAGR

6.75%

10-Year Dividend CAGR

6.62%

3-Year Total Growth

17.14%

5-Year Total Growth

38.61%

10-Year Total Growth

89.91%

Income Calculator

MRK Dividend Calculator

Total Investment

$11,637.00

Annual Income

$328.00

Quarterly Income

$82.00

Monthly Income

$27.33

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is MRK's current dividend yield?
Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) currently has a dividend yield of 2.84%, based on a stock price of $116.37 and an annual dividend of $3.28.
When is MRK's next dividend payment date?
MRK's next ex-dividend date is 2026-03-16 and the next payment date is 2026-04-07. You must own the stock before the ex-dividend date to receive the upcoming payment.
How much does MRK pay in dividends per year?
Merck & Co., Inc. paid $3.28 per share in annual dividends in 2025. The dividends are paid quarterly.
Has MRK been increasing its dividend?
Merck & Co., Inc. has grown its dividend at a 5-year CAGR of 6.75% and a 10-year CAGR of 6.62%.
Is MRK's dividend safe?
Merck & Co., Inc. has a payout ratio of 45.05%. Its free cash flow payout ratio is 66.15%. A payout ratio below 60% is generally considered sustainable.
How is MRK's Dividend Health Score calculated?
The Dividend Health Score evaluates Merck & Co., Inc.'s dividend sustainability across four categories: Payout & Coverage (40%), Balance Sheet (20%), Profitability (20%), and Dividend Track Record (20%). Each metric is rated from "Very Safe" to "Danger" based on industry-standard thresholds, with sector-specific adjustments for healthcare companies. The overall score ranges from 0 to 100.

Want to understand how we rate dividend safety? Read our full methodology

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This page is not investment advice. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Always do your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Financial data, including dividend history, earnings, balance sheet metrics, and the Dividend Health Score, is provided for informational purposes only. Data may be delayed or differ from official filings. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always verify with official sources before making investment decisions.

Market data provided by Twelve Data.