Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
BMY vs MRK
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company versus Merck & Co., Inc. — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
MRK wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but BMY can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | BMY | MRK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 4.06% | 2.84% | BMY wins |
| Dividend safety | 6.8/10 | 6.9/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | +0.10% vs 5y | -0.18% vs 5y | MRK wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.23 | 0.20 | Tie |
| Scale | $126.8B | $295.7B | MRK wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 2 wins | MRK wins |
Dimension by dimension
BMY wins on yield (4.06% vs 2.84%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $122 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
BMY's higher yield (4.06%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus MRK's 2.84% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
Safety scores are too close to call (6.8/10 vs 6.9/10)
Both score within 0.3 points on our 0-10 dividend safety scale — comparable risk profiles on the signals we measure.
MRK shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
MRK's yield is 0.18% below its 5y average, versus 0.10% for BMY. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
Volatility (beta) is similar
Both tickers move with comparable sensitivity to the broader market.
MRK is 2.3× larger by market cap
Larger companies tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.
Both pay qualified-dividend-eligible distributions
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
How we compare these
Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.
This is educational, not investment advice.Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.
Frequently asked
Which is better for income, BMY or MRK?
MRK wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but BMY can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
BMY vs MRK: which has a higher dividend yield?
BMY yields 4.06% and MRK yields 2.84%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $122 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is BMY or MRK a safer dividend in 2026?
BMY scores 6.8/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. MRK scores 6.9/10 (Solid). MRK is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, BMY or MRK?
MRK's yield is 0.18% below its 5y average, versus 0.10% for BMY. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
BMY vs MRK: which is more tax-efficient?
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
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