MRK vs NVS
Merck & Co., Inc. compared with Novartis AG on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
Quick take
- NVS yields more today: 3.47% vs 2.29% (forward).
- NVS has grown its payout faster: 7.2%/yr vs 6.3%/yr over the last 5 years.
- MRK pays every quarter; NVS pays once a year.
- MRK has the longer streak of annual increases: 15 years vs 3.
- Over the last year MRK delivered the higher total return: +80.5% vs +12.6% (price change plus payouts).
- NVS raises fewer payout-risk flags on our heuristic (low vs low).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | MRK | NVS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $148.46 | $137.70 |
| TTM yield | 2.26% | 3.47% |
| Forward yield | 2.29% | 3.47% |
| Annual payout per share | $3.40 | $4.773 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Annual |
| Next ex-date | Sep 15, 2026 (declared) | Mar 11, 2027 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 269% | 72% |
| 1-year payout growth | +5.0% | +19.5% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +6.3% | +7.2% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 15 years | 3 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 95/100 | 78/100 |
| 1-year total return | +80.5% | +12.6% |
| 1-year price return | +76.5% | +8.8% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 366.3B | 261.7B |
| Years paying | 64.5 | 25.8 |
| Payout risk (heuristic) | Low | Low |
| Sector / category | Healthcare | Healthcare |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| MRK | NVS | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 67.4 | 72.6 |
| Income per year | $229 | $347 |
| Income per month (avg) | $19 | $29 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK Sep 15, 2026 | Oct 7, 2026 | $0.85 | Declared |
| MRK Dec 15, 2026 | Dec 29, 2026 | $0.85 | Est. |
| MRK Mar 16, 2027 | Mar 30, 2027 | $0.85 | Est. |
| NVS Mar 11, 2027 | Mar 25, 2027 | $4.773 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
MRKNVS
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, MRK or NVS?
NVS currently has the higher trailing yield: MRK yields 2.26% and NVS yields 3.47%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do MRK and NVS pay?
MRK pays every quarter and NVS pays once a year. MRK's next ex-date is Sep 15, 2026 and NVS's is Mar 11, 2027.
Which has grown its dividend faster, MRK or NVS?
NVS has grown its payout faster: 7.2%/yr vs 6.3%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is MRK or NVS better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. MRK and NVS differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.