MRK vs SNN
Merck & Co., Inc. compared with Smith & Nephew plc on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
Quick take
- SNN yields more today: 3.46% vs 2.29% (forward).
- MRK has grown its payout faster: 6.3%/yr vs 0.8%/yr over the last 5 years.
- MRK pays every quarter; SNN pays twice a year.
- MRK has the longer streak of annual increases: 15 years vs 1.
- Over the last year MRK delivered the higher total return: +80.5% vs -23.5% (price change plus payouts).
- MRK raises fewer payout-risk flags on our heuristic (low vs moderate).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | MRK | SNN |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $148.46 | $27.87 |
| TTM yield | 2.26% | 2.81% |
| Forward yield | 2.29% | 3.46% |
| Annual payout per share | $3.40 | $0.964 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Semi-annual |
| Next ex-date | Sep 15, 2026 (declared) | Oct 2, 2026 (declared) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 269% | 53% |
| 1-year payout growth | +5.0% | +4.3% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +6.3% | +0.8% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 15 years | 1 year |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 95/100 | 77/100 |
| 1-year total return | +80.5% | -23.5% |
| 1-year price return | +76.5% | -25.6% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 366.3B | 11.7B |
| Years paying | 64.5 | 26.3 |
| Payout risk (heuristic) | Low | Moderate |
| 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 | SNN | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 67.4 | 358.8 |
| Income per year | $229 | $346 |
| 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. |
| SNN Oct 2, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 | $0.482 | Declared |
| SNN Apr 2, 2027 | Apr 16, 2027 | $0.482 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
MRKSNN
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 SNN?
SNN currently has the higher trailing yield: MRK yields 2.26% and SNN yields 2.81%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do MRK and SNN pay?
MRK pays every quarter and SNN pays twice a year. MRK's next ex-date is Sep 15, 2026 and SNN's is Oct 2, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, MRK or SNN?
MRK has grown its payout faster: 6.3%/yr vs 0.8%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is MRK or SNN better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. MRK and SNN 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.