Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
MRK vs SYK
Merck & Co., Inc. versus Stryker Corporation — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
MRK wins 4–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but SYK can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | MRK | SYK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 2.84% | 1.07% | MRK wins |
| Dividend safety | 6.9/10 | 7.6/10 | SYK wins |
| Growth trend | -0.18% vs 5y | +0.08% vs 5y | MRK wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.20 | 0.93 | MRK wins |
| Scale | $295.7B | $126.0B | MRK wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 4 wins | 1 wins | MRK wins |
Dimension by dimension
MRK wins on yield (2.84% vs 1.07%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $177 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
SYK wins on safety (7.6/10 vs 6.9/10)
Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. SYK scores better on the weighted average of those factors.
MRK shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
MRK's yield is 0.18% below its 5y average, versus 0.08% for SYK. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
MRK is less volatile (beta 0.20 vs 0.93)
Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.
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, MRK or SYK?
MRK wins 4–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but SYK can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Does MRK or SYK have a higher yield?
On a $10,000 investment that's about $177 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is MRK or SYK a safer dividend?
MRK scores 6.9/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. SYK scores 7.6/10 (Solid). See the safety dimension above for what drove each score.
Should I own both MRK and SYK?
It depends on overlap. Two ETFs in similar categories often hold many of the same companies — owning both can mean paying two expense ratios for similar exposure. Check the underlying holdings before stacking.
Already own MRK or SYK? See if the other adds anything.
Connect your brokerage and Infnits checks whether adding MRK to your existing portfolio actually diversifies — or just duplicates exposure (ETF look-through included).
Check overlap with my portfolio →