CVS vs JNJ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, CVS and JNJ are closely matched. CVS offers the higher yield at 3.27%, JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score, and CVS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 45% above its share price).
Key facts: CVS vs JNJ
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, CVS Health Corporation (CVS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.27%, versus 1.97% for Johnson & Johnson (JNJ).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CVS's dividend safety A (91/100) and JNJ's A (93/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, CVS has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and JNJ for 55.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, CVS pays out 31% of its earnings as dividends and JNJ pays out 80%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, CVS's fair-value estimate is 45% above its share price and JNJ's fair-value estimate is 27% below its share price, so CVS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CVS vs JNJ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cvs-vs-jnj
| Metric | CVS | JNJ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.27% | 1.97% |
| Annual dividend | $2.66 | $5.36 |
| Payout ratio | 31% | 80% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 55 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.9% | 5.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 1% | 75% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 93 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $118.19 | $199.73 |
| Upside to fair value | +45% | -27% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $104.1B | $655.6B |
| P/E ratio | 9.4 | 41.3 |
Higher yield
CVS
3.27%
Safer dividend
JNJ
Grade A
Faster growth
CVS
5.9%
Better value
CVS
+45% upside
CVS vs JNJ — FAQ
Is CVS or JNJ a better dividend stock?
CVS and JNJ are closely matched. CVS has the higher yield; JNJ scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CVS or JNJ?
CVS has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.27%, versus 1.97% for JNJ.
Is CVS or JNJ safer?
JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 91/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CVS or JNJ better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, CVS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 45% above its share price (undervalued). For JNJ, its fair-value estimate is 27% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.