MRK vs STE
Merck & Co., Inc. compared with STERIS plc on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
Quick take
- MRK yields more today: 2.29% vs 1.26% (forward).
- MRK has grown its payout faster: 6.3%/yr vs 3.7%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- STE has the longer streak of annual increases: 20 years vs 15.
- Over the last year MRK delivered the higher total return: +80.5% vs -10.1% (price change plus payouts).
- STE 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 | STE |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $148.46 | $218.44 |
| TTM yield | 2.26% | 0.89% |
| Forward yield | 2.29% | 1.26% |
| Annual payout per share | $3.40 | $2.76 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Sep 15, 2026 (declared) | Dec 3, 2026 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 269% | 31% |
| 1-year payout growth | +5.0% | -16.7% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +6.3% | +3.7% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 15 years | 20 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 95/100 | 91/100 |
| 1-year total return | +80.5% | -10.1% |
| 1-year price return | +76.5% | -10.9% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 366.3B | 21.3B |
| Years paying | 64.5 | 21.3 |
| 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 | STE | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 67.4 | 45.8 |
| Income per year | $229 | $126 |
| Income per month (avg) | $19 | $11 |
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. |
| STE Dec 3, 2026 | Dec 17, 2026 | $0.69 | Est. |
| STE Mar 3, 2027 | Mar 17, 2027 | $0.69 | Est. |
| STE Jun 1, 2027 | Jun 15, 2027 | $0.69 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
MRKSTE
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 STE?
MRK currently has the higher trailing yield: MRK yields 2.26% and STE yields 0.89%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do MRK and STE pay?
MRK pays every quarter and STE pays every quarter. MRK's next ex-date is Sep 15, 2026 and STE's is Dec 3, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, MRK or STE?
MRK has grown its payout faster: 6.3%/yr vs 3.7%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is MRK or STE better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. MRK and STE 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.