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RLJ vs MRK: Dividend Comparison 2026

RLJ yields 4.00% · 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 $2.7K in total portfolio value
10 years
RLJ
RLJ
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 RLJ 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 — RLJ vs MRK

Annual dividend income

MetricRLJMRK
Forward yield4.00%3.25%
Annual dividend / share$2.00$3.08
Payout ratio50%42%
1-year div growth5%5.5%
5-year div CAGR5%8.2%
Portfolio after 10y$28.0K$30.7K
Annual income after 10y$899.19$950.29
Total dividends collected$6.4K$6.1K
Payment frequencyquarterlyquarterly
SectorStockHealthcare

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

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

RLJ vs MRK: Complete Analysis 2026

RLJStock

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

Full RLJ 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 RLJ or MRK better for dividend income in 2026?
RLJ currently offers a 4.00% yield (2.00/share/year) while MRK offers 3.25% (3.08/share/year). RLJ 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 RLJ vs MRK earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: RLJ pays approximately $400/year. MRK pays approximately $325/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $899/year (RLJ) and $950/year (MRK).
Does RLJ or MRK pay monthly dividends?
RLJ 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.
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⚠️ Educational purposes only. Not financial advice. All projections use historical data; actual results will vary.