GILD vs JNJ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 2, 2026, JNJ (Johnson & Johnson) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. JNJ offers the higher yield at 1.96%, JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score, and GILD looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 26% below its share price).
Key facts: GILD vs JNJ
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 2, 2026, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.96%, versus 1.92% for Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD).
- As of Nov 2, 2026, SmarterDividends grades GILD's dividend safety A (84/100) and JNJ's A (93/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 2, 2026, GILD has raised its dividend for 10 consecutive years and JNJ for 55.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, GILD pays out 43% of its earnings as dividends and JNJ pays out 80%.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, GILD's fair-value estimate is 26% below its share price and JNJ's fair-value estimate is 27% below its share price, so GILD looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "GILD vs JNJ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 2, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/gild-vs-jnj
| Metric | GILD | JNJ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.92% | 1.96% |
| Annual dividend | $3.28 | $5.36 |
| Payout ratio | 43% | 80% |
| Years of growth | 10 yr | 55 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.0% | 5.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 148% | 75% |
| Dividend safety score | 84 (A) | 93 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $126.20 | $199.73 |
| Upside to fair value | -26% | -27% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $211.7B | $657.7B |
| P/E ratio | — | 41.5 |
Higher yield
JNJ
1.96%
Safer dividend
JNJ
Grade A
Faster growth
JNJ
5.2%
Better value
GILD
-26% upside
GILD vs JNJ — FAQ
Is GILD or JNJ a better dividend stock?
On the data, JNJ wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). JNJ offers the higher yield (1.96%), while JNJ has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, GILD or JNJ?
JNJ has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.96%, versus 1.92% for GILD.
Is GILD or JNJ safer?
JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 84/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is GILD or JNJ better value right now?
As of Nov 2, 2026, GILD looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 26% below its share price (overvalued). 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.