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MRK vs MCD: Dividend Comparison 2026

MRK yields 3.25% · MCD yields 2.27% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers
After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 MRK wins by $9.8K 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 →
MCD
McDonald's Corporation
2.27%
Share price
$294.50
Annual div
$6.68
5Y div CAGR
8.5%
Payout ratio
72%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$21.0K
Annual income
$652.30
Full MCD calculator →

Portfolio growth — MRK vs MCD

Annual dividend income

MetricMRKMCD
Forward yield3.25%2.27%
Annual dividend / share$3.08$6.68
Payout ratio42%72%
1-year div growth5.5%10%
5-year div CAGR8.2%8.5%
Portfolio after 10y$30.7K$21.0K
Annual income after 10y$950.29$652.30
Total dividends collected$6.1K$4.2K
Payment frequencyquarterlyquarterly
SectorHealthcareConsumer Discretionary

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

YearMRK PortfolioMRK Income/yrMCD PortfolioMCD Income/yrGap
1$11,192$351.54$10,726$246.11+$466.00MRK
2$12,524$392.70$11,514$273.29+$1.0KMRK
3$14,015$438.65$12,371$303.73+$1.6KMRK
4$15,682$489.96$13,302$337.85+$2.4KMRK
5$17,547$547.23$14,317$376.12+$3.2KMRK
6$19,632$611.16$15,423$419.10+$4.2KMRK
7$21,963$682.53$16,631$467.42+$5.3KMRK
8$24,571$762.18$17,951$521.82+$6.6KMRK
9$27,486$851.08$19,396$583.12+$8.1KMRK
10$30,745$950.29$20,979$652.30+$9.8KMRK

MRK vs MCD: 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 →

MCDConsumer Discretionary

McDonald's is a Dividend Aristocrat with 48+ consecutive years of increases. As the world's most visited fast food brand with 40,000+ locations, its franchise model generates high-margin royalties. MCD's real estate holdings (owning land under many franchised locations) create an additional asset floor supporting long-term value.

Full MCD Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MRK or MCD better for dividend income in 2026?
MRK currently offers a 3.25% yield (3.08/share/year) while MCD offers 2.27% (6.68/share/year). MRK provides higher current income. However, MCD has grown its dividend faster (8.5% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.
How much would $10,000 in MRK vs MCD earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: MRK pays approximately $325/year. MCD pays approximately $227/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $950/year (MRK) and $652/year (MCD).
Does MRK or MCD pay monthly dividends?
MRK pays quarterly dividends. MCD 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.