HSTM vs MRK
HealthStream, Inc. compared with Merck & Co., Inc. on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
Quick take
- MRK yields more today: 2.30% vs 0.49% (forward).
- HSTM has grown its payout faster: 12.4%/yr vs 5.0%/yr over the last 1 year.
- Both pay every quarter.
- MRK has the longer streak of annual increases: 15 years vs 2.
- Over the last year MRK delivered the higher total return: +79.6% vs +2.8% (price change plus payouts).
- HSTM 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 | HSTM | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $28.72 | $147.74 |
| TTM yield | 0.47% | 2.27% |
| Forward yield | 0.49% | 2.30% |
| Annual payout per share | $0.14 | $3.40 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Nov 16, 2026 (est.) | Sep 15, 2026 (declared) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 18% | 269% |
| 1-year payout growth | +12.4% | +5.0% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | — | +6.3% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 2 years | 15 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 90/100 | 95/100 |
| 1-year total return | +2.8% | +79.6% |
| 1-year price return | +2.3% | +75.6% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 839.8M | 366.3B |
| Years paying | 8.5 | 64.5 |
| 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
| HSTM | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 348.2 | 67.7 |
| Income per year | $49 | $230 |
| Income per month (avg) | $4 | $19 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model HSTM · Model MRK
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSTM Nov 16, 2026 | Nov 27, 2026 | $0.035 | Est. |
| HSTM Feb 15, 2027 | Feb 26, 2027 | $0.035 | Est. |
| HSTM May 17, 2027 | May 28, 2027 | $0.035 | Est. |
| 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. |
Annual payouts per share
HSTMMRK
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, HSTM or MRK?
MRK currently has the higher trailing yield: HSTM yields 0.47% and MRK yields 2.27%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do HSTM and MRK pay?
HSTM pays every quarter and MRK pays every quarter. HSTM's next ex-date is Nov 16, 2026 and MRK's is Sep 15, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, HSTM or MRK?
HSTM has grown its payout faster: 12.4%/yr vs 5.0%/yr over the last 1 year.
Is HSTM or MRK better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. HSTM and MRK 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.