MRK vs VTRS
Merck & Co., Inc. compared with Viatris Inc. on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
Quick take
- VTRS yields more today: 2.91% vs 2.30% (forward).
- VTRS has grown its payout faster: 16.9%/yr vs 6.3%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- MRK has the longer streak of annual increases: 15 years vs 0.
- Over the last year MRK delivered the higher total return: +79.4% vs +60.9% (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 | VTRS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $147.53 | $16.50 |
| TTM yield | 2.28% | 2.91% |
| Forward yield | 2.30% | 2.91% |
| Annual payout per share | $3.40 | $0.48 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Sep 15, 2026 (declared) | Nov 20, 2026 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 269% | 960% |
| 1-year payout growth | +5.0% | +0.0% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +6.3% | +16.9% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 15 years | 0 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 95/100 | 100/100 |
| 1-year total return | +79.4% | +60.9% |
| 1-year price return | +75.4% | +56.4% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 364.0B | 19.0B |
| Years paying | 64.5 | 39.7 |
| 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 | VTRS | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 67.8 | 606.1 |
| Income per year | $230 | $291 |
| Income per month (avg) | $19 | $24 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model MRK · Model VTRS
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. |
| VTRS Nov 20, 2026 | Dec 11, 2026 | $0.12 | Est. |
| VTRS Feb 19, 2027 | Mar 12, 2027 | $0.12 | Est. |
| VTRS May 21, 2027 | Jun 11, 2027 | $0.12 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
MRKVTRS
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 VTRS?
VTRS currently has the higher trailing yield: MRK yields 2.28% and VTRS yields 2.91%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do MRK and VTRS pay?
MRK pays every quarter and VTRS pays every quarter. MRK's next ex-date is Sep 15, 2026 and VTRS's is Nov 20, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, MRK or VTRS?
VTRS has grown its payout faster: 16.9%/yr vs 6.3%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is MRK or VTRS better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. MRK and VTRS 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.