DGX vs JNJ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, JNJ (Johnson & Johnson) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. JNJ offers the higher yield at 1.97%, DGX has the higher dividend-safety score, and JNJ looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 27% below its share price).
Key facts: DGX vs JNJ
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.97%, versus 1.35% for Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades DGX's dividend safety A (94/100) and JNJ's A (93/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, DGX has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and JNJ for 55.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, DGX pays out 25% of its earnings as dividends and JNJ pays out 80%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, DGX's fair-value estimate is 29% below its share price and JNJ's fair-value estimate is 27% below its share price, so JNJ looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "DGX vs JNJ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/dgx-vs-jnj
| Metric | DGX | JNJ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.35% | 1.97% |
| Annual dividend | $3.44 | $5.36 |
| Payout ratio | 25% | 80% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 55 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.3% | 5.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 69% | 75% |
| Dividend safety score | 94 (A) | 93 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $181.72 | $199.73 |
| Upside to fair value | -29% | -27% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $28.1B | $655.6B |
| P/E ratio | 25.4 | 41.3 |
Higher yield
JNJ
1.97%
Safer dividend
DGX
Grade A
Faster growth
DGX
7.3%
Better value
JNJ
-27% upside
DGX vs JNJ — FAQ
Is DGX or JNJ a better dividend stock?
On the data, JNJ wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). JNJ offers the higher yield (1.97%), while DGX has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, DGX or JNJ?
JNJ has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.97%, versus 1.35% for DGX.
Is DGX or JNJ safer?
DGX has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 93/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is DGX or JNJ better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, JNJ looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 27% below its share price (overvalued). For DGX, its fair-value estimate is 29% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.