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Merck's dividend is safer and growing, while Pfizer's high yield risks sustainability for retirees.

Market News
22 Oct 2026
24/7 Wall Street
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Merck's dividend is safer and growing, while Pfizer's high yield risks sustainability for retirees.

Pfizer offers a high 5.7% dividend yield compared to Merck's 2.2%, but Pfizer's dividend payout exceeds its free cash flow, signaling risk. Merck's dividend is covered comfortably by free cash flow and has grown steadily since 2020, making it a safer choice for retirees seeking reliable income. Pfizer faces challenges from declining COVID-related sales and patent cliffs, whereas Merck's new drugs are already driving growth. Investors should watch Pfizer's cash flow recovery and Merck's drug sales in upcoming reports.

Merck's market cap stands at $369.78 billion, more than double Pfizer's $170.14 billion as of Oct 22, 2026 23:31 WIB, reflecting its larger scale and investor confidence. On Pluang, Pfizer's dividend yield is 5.76% with a typical hold time of 158 days, while Merck offers a 2.27% yield and a shorter typical hold time of 97 days. Pfizer's shares gained 1.61% and Merck's rose 2.65% in the last day, showing active buying interest in both stocks at these prices.

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