ELV vs JNJ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, ELV and JNJ are closely matched. JNJ offers the higher yield at 1.97%, JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score, and ELV looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price).
Key facts: ELV 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 1.59% for Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ELV's dividend safety A (90/100) and JNJ's A (93/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, ELV has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and JNJ for 55.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, ELV pays out 29% of its earnings as dividends and JNJ pays out 80%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, ELV's fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price and JNJ's fair-value estimate is 27% below its share price, so ELV looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ELV vs JNJ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/elv-vs-jnj
| Metric | ELV | JNJ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.59% | 1.97% |
| Annual dividend | $6.88 | $5.36 |
| Payout ratio | 29% | 80% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 55 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 12.5% | 5.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 3% | 75% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 93 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $549.72 | $199.73 |
| Upside to fair value | +27% | -27% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $93.7B | $655.6B |
| P/E ratio | 18.3 | 41.3 |
Higher yield
JNJ
1.97%
Safer dividend
JNJ
Grade A
Faster growth
ELV
12.5%
Better value
ELV
+27% upside
ELV vs JNJ — FAQ
Is ELV or JNJ a better dividend stock?
ELV and JNJ are closely matched. JNJ has the higher yield; JNJ scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ELV or JNJ?
JNJ has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.97%, versus 1.59% for ELV.
Is ELV or JNJ safer?
JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ELV or JNJ better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, ELV looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 27% 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.