Key Points Pfizer has a substantial 6.6% dividend yield but a payout ratio exceeding 100%. Eli Lilly has a payout ratio of roughly 30%, but its dividend yield is a tiny 0.6%. Long-term income investors can find the middle ground with a 3.4% yield and a 45% payout ratio from Merck. 10 stocks we like better than Merck › Dividend investors need to be cautious about reaching too far for yield since this can open them up to added risks. At the same time, they must ensure that they are generating an a ...