DGX vs LLY: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, LLY (Eli Lilly and Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. DGX offers the higher yield at 1.35%, DGX has the higher dividend-safety score, and DGX looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 29% below its share price).
Key facts: DGX vs LLY
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.35%, versus 0.51% for Eli Lilly and Company (LLY).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades DGX's dividend safety A (94/100) and LLY's A (94/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, DGX has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and LLY for 11.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, DGX pays out 25% of its earnings as dividends and LLY pays out 22%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, DGX's fair-value estimate is 29% below its share price and LLY's fair-value estimate is 41% below its share price, so DGX looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "DGX vs LLY: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/dgx-vs-lly
| Metric | DGX | LLY |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.35% | 0.51% |
| Annual dividend | $3.44 | $6.92 |
| Payout ratio | 25% | 22% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 11 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.3% | 15.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 69% | 471% |
| Dividend safety score | 94 (A) | 94 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $181.72 | $804.91 |
| Upside to fair value | -29% | -41% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $28.1B | $1.2T |
| P/E ratio | 25.4 | 44.3 |
Higher yield
DGX
1.35%
Safer dividend
DGX
Grade A
Faster growth
LLY
15.2%
Better value
DGX
-29% upside
DGX vs LLY — FAQ
Is DGX or LLY a better dividend stock?
On the data, LLY wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). DGX offers the higher yield (1.35%), 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 LLY?
DGX has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.35%, versus 0.51% for LLY.
Is DGX or LLY safer?
DGX has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 94/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is DGX or LLY better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, DGX looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 29% below its share price (overvalued). For LLY, its fair-value estimate is 41% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.