HCA vs JNJ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, HCA and JNJ are closely matched. JNJ offers the higher yield at 1.97%, JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score, and HCA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 7% above its share price).
Key facts: HCA 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 0.61% for HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HCA's dividend safety B (70/100) and JNJ's A (93/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, HCA has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years and JNJ for 55.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, HCA pays out 10% of its earnings as dividends and JNJ pays out 80%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, HCA's fair-value estimate is 7% above its share price and JNJ's fair-value estimate is 27% below its share price, so HCA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HCA vs JNJ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hca-vs-jnj
| Metric | HCA | JNJ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.61% | 1.97% |
| Annual dividend | $3.12 | $5.36 |
| Payout ratio | 10% | 80% |
| Years of growth | 5 yr | 55 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 33.5% | 5.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 110% | 75% |
| Dividend safety score | 70 (B) | 93 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $543.24 | $199.73 |
| Upside to fair value | +7% | -27% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $106.0B | $655.6B |
| P/E ratio | 16.8 | 41.3 |
Higher yield
JNJ
1.97%
Safer dividend
JNJ
Grade A
Faster growth
HCA
33.5%
Better value
HCA
+7% upside
HCA vs JNJ — FAQ
Is HCA or JNJ a better dividend stock?
HCA and JNJ are closely matched. JNJ has the higher yield; JNJ scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, HCA or JNJ?
JNJ has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.97%, versus 0.61% for HCA.
Is HCA or JNJ safer?
JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 70/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HCA or JNJ better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, HCA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 7% above its share price (fairly valued). 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.