HomeCompareHDV vs MRK

HDV vs MRK: Dividend Comparison 2026

HDV yields 3.70% · MRK yields 3.25% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers
After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 MRK wins by $3.3K in total portfolio value
10 years
HDV
iShares Core High Dividend ETF
3.70%
Share price
$108.20
Annual div
$4.00
5Y div CAGR
4.8%
Payout ratio
55%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$27.4K
Annual income
$792.81
Full HDV calculator →
MRK
Merck & Co. Inc.
3.25%
Share price
$94.80
Annual div
$3.08
5Y div CAGR
8.2%
Payout ratio
42%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$30.7K
Annual income
$950.29
Full MRK calculator →

Portfolio growth — HDV vs MRK

Annual dividend income

MetricHDVMRK
Forward yield3.70%3.25%
Annual dividend / share$4.00$3.08
Payout ratio55%42%
1-year div growth4.2%5.5%
5-year div CAGR4.8%8.2%
Portfolio after 10y$27.4K$30.7K
Annual income after 10y$792.81$950.29
Total dividends collected$5.7K$6.1K
Payment frequencyquarterlyquarterly
SectorETFHealthcare

Year-by-year: HDV vs MRK ($10,000, DRIP)

YearHDV PortfolioHDV Income/yrMRK PortfolioMRK Income/yrGap
1$11,097$387.43$11,192$351.54$95.00MRK
2$12,306$420.72$12,524$392.70$218.00MRK
3$13,636$456.52$14,015$438.65$379.00MRK
4$15,099$495.00$15,682$489.96$583.00MRK
5$16,708$536.34$17,547$547.23$839.00MRK
6$18,475$580.73$19,632$611.16$1.2KMRK
7$20,415$628.36$21,963$682.53$1.5KMRK
8$22,544$679.43$24,571$762.18$2.0KMRK
9$24,879$734.17$27,486$851.08$2.6KMRK
10$27,438$792.81$30,745$950.29$3.3KMRK

HDV vs MRK: Complete Analysis 2026

HDVETF

HDV screens for dividend sustainability using Morningstar's economic moat methodology — only companies with wide or narrow moats qualify. Its concentrated portfolio of ~75 holdings represents high-conviction dividend payers in healthcare, energy, and consumer staples. Higher yield than SCHD with similar quality focus.

Full HDV Calculator →

MRKHealthcare

Merck is a Dividend Aristocrat with 14+ consecutive years of increases. Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is the world's best-selling cancer drug and drives exceptional cash generation. The company's oncology and vaccines pipeline provides long-term growth visibility beyond the Keytruda patent cliff in the 2030s.

Full MRK Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HDV or MRK better for dividend income in 2026?
HDV currently offers a 3.70% yield (4.00/share/year) while MRK offers 3.25% (3.08/share/year). HDV provides higher current income. However, MRK has grown its dividend faster (8.2% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.
How much would $10,000 in HDV vs MRK earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: HDV pays approximately $370/year. MRK pays approximately $325/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $793/year (HDV) and $950/year (MRK).
Does HDV or MRK pay monthly dividends?
HDV pays quarterly dividends. MRK pays quarterly dividends. Neither pay monthly — both use a quarterly schedule, which is preferred by investors who need regular cash flow.
📬

Get this HDV vs MRK comparison by email

Save your analysis + get weekly dividend insights. Free forever.

More comparisons

HDV vs SCHDHDV vs VYMHDV vs DVYHDV vs SPHDHDV vs FDVVHDV vs JNJHDV vs ABBVHDV vs PFEMRK vs JNJMRK vs ABBVMRK vs PFEMRK vs BMY

⚠️ Educational purposes only. Not financial advice. All projections use historical data; actual results will vary.