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MRK vs GILD: Dividend Comparison 2026

MRK yields 3.25% · GILD yields 4.00% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers
After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 MRK wins by $2.7K in total portfolio value
10 years
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 →
GILD
GILD
4.00%
Share price
$50.00
Annual div
$2.00
5Y div CAGR
5%
Payout ratio
50%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$28.0K
Annual income
$899.19
Full GILD calculator →

Portfolio growth — MRK vs GILD

Annual dividend income

MetricMRKGILD
Forward yield3.25%4.00%
Annual dividend / share$3.08$2.00
Payout ratio42%50%
1-year div growth5.5%5%
5-year div CAGR8.2%5%
Portfolio after 10y$30.7K$28.0K
Annual income after 10y$950.29$899.19
Total dividends collected$6.1K$6.4K
Payment frequencyquarterlyquarterly
SectorHealthcareHealthcare

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

YearMRK PortfolioMRK Income/yrGILD PortfolioGILD Income/yrGap
1$11,192$351.54$11,120$420.00+$72.00MRK
2$12,524$392.70$12,357$458.31+$167.00MRK
3$14,015$438.65$13,721$499.76+$294.00MRK
4$15,682$489.96$15,227$544.58+$455.00MRK
5$17,547$547.23$16,885$593.02+$662.00MRK
6$19,632$611.16$18,713$645.34+$919.00MRK
7$21,963$682.53$20,724$701.81+$1.2KMRK
8$24,571$762.18$22,938$762.73+$1.6KMRK
9$27,486$851.08$25,372$828.41+$2.1KMRK
10$30,745$950.29$28,047$899.19+$2.7KMRK

MRK vs GILD: Complete Analysis 2026

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 →

GILDHealthcare

GILD is a dividend-paying stock. Use this calculator to estimate your future dividend income, DRIP compounding returns, and passive income potential from investing in GILD shares.

Full GILD Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MRK or GILD better for dividend income in 2026?
MRK currently offers a 3.25% yield (3.08/share/year) while GILD offers 4.00% (2.00/share/year). GILD 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 MRK vs GILD earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: MRK pays approximately $325/year. GILD pays approximately $400/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $950/year (MRK) and $899/year (GILD).
Does MRK or GILD pay monthly dividends?
MRK pays quarterly dividends. GILD pays quarterly dividends. Neither pay monthly — both use a quarterly schedule, which is preferred by investors who need regular cash flow.
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⚠️ Educational purposes only. Not financial advice. All projections use historical data; actual results will vary.