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VZ vs MRK: Dividend Comparison 2026

VZ yields 6.62% · 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 $14.6K in total portfolio value
10 years
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 →
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 — VZ vs MRK

Annual dividend income

MetricVZMRK
Forward yield6.62%3.25%
Annual dividend / share$2.66$3.08
Payout ratio57%42%
1-year div growth1.9%5.5%
5-year div CAGR2%8.2%
Portfolio after 10y$16.2K$30.7K
Annual income after 10y$1,768.06$950.29
Total dividends collected$11.1K$6.1K
Payment frequencyquarterlyquarterly
SectorTelecomHealthcare

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

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

VZ vs MRK: Complete Analysis 2026

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 →

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 VZ or MRK better for dividend income in 2026?
VZ currently offers a 6.62% yield (2.66/share/year) while MRK offers 3.25% (3.08/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 VZ vs MRK earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: VZ pays approximately $662/year. MRK pays approximately $325/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $1,768/year (VZ) and $950/year (MRK).
Does VZ or MRK pay monthly dividends?
VZ 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.