HomeCompareMRK vs VZ

MRK vs VZ: Dividend Comparison 2026

MRK yields 3.25% · VZ yields 6.62% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers
After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 MRK wins by $14.6K 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 →
VZ
Verizon Communications
6.62%
Share price
$40.20
Annual div
$2.66
5Y div CAGR
2%
Payout ratio
57%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$16.2K
Annual income
$1,768.06
Full VZ calculator →

Portfolio growth — MRK vs VZ

Annual dividend income

MetricMRKVZ
Forward yield3.25%6.62%
Annual dividend / share$3.08$2.66
Payout ratio42%57%
1-year div growth5.5%1.9%
5-year div CAGR8.2%2%
Portfolio after 10y$30.7K$16.2K
Annual income after 10y$950.29$1,768.06
Total dividends collected$6.1K$11.1K
Payment frequencyquarterlyquarterly
SectorHealthcareTelecom

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

YearMRK PortfolioMRK Income/yrVZ PortfolioVZ Income/yrGap
1$11,192$351.54$10,265$674.93+$927.00MRK
2$12,524$392.70$10,581$736.87+$1.9KMRK
3$14,015$438.65$10,955$807.87+$3.1KMRK
4$15,682$489.96$11,395$889.64+$4.3KMRK
5$17,547$547.23$11,913$984.27+$5.6KMRK
6$19,632$611.16$12,518$1,094.38+$7.1KMRK
7$21,963$682.53$13,228$1,223.20+$8.7KMRK
8$24,571$762.18$14,061$1,374.79+$10.5KMRK
9$27,486$851.08$15,039$1,554.25+$12.4KMRK
10$30,745$950.29$16,190$1,768.06+$14.6KMRK

MRK vs VZ: 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 →

VZTelecom

Verizon is America's largest wireless carrier by subscribers. The company offers a high current yield with modest dividend growth. Verizon's 5G network rollout and fiber expansion position it for steady cash flows. A defensive income stock with 19+ consecutive years of dividend increases.

Full VZ Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MRK or VZ better for dividend income in 2026?
MRK currently offers a 3.25% yield (3.08/share/year) while VZ offers 6.62% (2.66/share/year). VZ 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 VZ earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: MRK pays approximately $325/year. VZ pays approximately $662/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $950/year (MRK) and $1,768/year (VZ).
Does MRK or VZ pay monthly dividends?
MRK pays quarterly dividends. VZ pays quarterly dividends. Neither pay monthly — both use a quarterly schedule, which is preferred by investors who need regular cash flow.
📬

Get this MRK vs VZ comparison by email

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

More comparisons

MRK vs JNJMRK vs ABBVMRK vs PFEMRK vs BMYMRK vs LLYMRK vs TMRK vs LUMNMRK vs AMTVZ vs TVZ vs LUMNVZ vs AMTVZ vs CCI

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