Investors shouldn't settle for just an average dividend stock, certainly not during the COVID-19 pandemic when many dividend stocks are proving to be unstable. Instead, investors should look for great dividend stocks -- ones that offer sustainable payouts that are also safe, pay a good yield, and are likely to increase in the future.
Today, I'll look at whether drug manufacturer Merck (NYSE:MRK) falls into the category of a great dividend stock and whether income investors should consider adding it to their portfolios.
Where the dividend is today
Currently, Merck pays its shareholders a quarterly dividend of $0.