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MRK vs KO: Dividend Comparison 2026

MRK yields 3.25% · KO yields 3.11% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers
After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 MRK wins by $8.7K 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 →
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
3.11%
Share price
$63.10
Annual div
$1.96
5Y div CAGR
4.2%
Payout ratio
71%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$22.0K
Annual income
$610.29
Full KO calculator →

Portfolio growth — MRK vs KO

Annual dividend income

MetricMRKKO
Forward yield3.25%3.11%
Annual dividend / share$3.08$1.96
Payout ratio42%71%
1-year div growth5.5%5.4%
5-year div CAGR8.2%4.2%
Portfolio after 10y$30.7K$22.0K
Annual income after 10y$950.29$610.29
Total dividends collected$6.1K$4.5K
Payment frequencyquarterlyquarterly
SectorHealthcareConsumer Staples

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

YearMRK PortfolioMRK Income/yrKO PortfolioKO Income/yrGap
1$11,192$351.54$10,834$323.66+$358.00MRK
2$12,524$392.70$11,734$347.64+$790.00MRK
3$14,015$438.65$12,706$373.31+$1.3KMRK
4$15,682$489.96$13,754$400.76+$1.9KMRK
5$17,547$547.23$14,886$430.12+$2.7KMRK
6$19,632$611.16$16,107$461.52+$3.5KMRK
7$21,963$682.53$17,423$495.09+$4.5KMRK
8$24,571$762.18$18,843$530.98+$5.7KMRK
9$27,486$851.08$20,373$569.32+$7.1KMRK
10$30,745$950.29$22,022$610.29+$8.7KMRK

MRK vs KO: 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 →

KOConsumer Staples

Coca-Cola is a Dividend King with 62+ consecutive years of dividend increases. Operating in 200+ countries with brands including Coke, Sprite, Fanta, and Dasani. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway holds ~$24B in KO stock — and his yield on cost exceeds 50% from his 1980s purchases, illustrating the power of long-term dividend compounding.

Full KO Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MRK or KO better for dividend income in 2026?
MRK currently offers a 3.25% yield (3.08/share/year) while KO offers 3.11% (1.96/share/year). MRK 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 KO earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: MRK pays approximately $325/year. KO pays approximately $311/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $950/year (MRK) and $610/year (KO).
Does MRK or KO pay monthly dividends?
MRK pays quarterly dividends. KO 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.