Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
MDT vs PFE
Medtronic plc versus Pfizer Inc. — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
MDT and PFE are evenly matched (2–2 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | MDT | PFE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 3.51% | 6.90% | PFE wins |
| Dividend safety | 6.8/10 | 4.3/10 | MDT wins |
| Growth trend | +0.48% vs 5y | +1.80% vs 5y | MDT wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.58 | 0.31 | PFE wins |
| Scale | $106.5B | $142.5B | Tie |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 2 wins | 2 wins | Tie |
Dimension by dimension
PFE wins on yield (6.90% vs 3.51%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $339 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
PFE's higher yield (6.90%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus MDT's 3.51% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
MDT wins on safety (6.8/10 vs 4.3/10)
Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. MDT scores better on the weighted average of those factors.
MDT (6.8/10) scores 2.5 points higher than PFE (4.3/10). A higher safety score means lower historical indicators of dividend cut risk — payout ratio, yield zone, and trend all factor in.
MDT shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
MDT's yield is 0.48% above its 5y average, versus 1.80% for PFE. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
PFE is less volatile (beta 0.31 vs 0.58)
Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.
Comparable scale ($106.5B vs $142.5B)
Within 1.5x of each other on market cap / AUM — similar institutional footprint.
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, MDT or PFE?
MDT and PFE are evenly matched (2–2 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
MDT vs PFE: which has a higher dividend yield?
MDT yields 3.51% and PFE yields 6.90%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $339 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is MDT or PFE a safer dividend in 2026?
MDT scores 6.8/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. PFE scores 4.3/10 (Weak). MDT is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, MDT or PFE?
MDT's yield is 0.48% above its 5y average, versus 1.80% for PFE. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
MDT vs PFE: 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.
Get emailed when MDT vs PFE data updates.
Already own MDT or PFE? See if the other adds anything.
Connect your brokerage and Infnits checks whether adding either to your existing portfolio actually diversifies — or just duplicates exposure (ETF look-through included).
Check overlap with my portfolio →