HSTM vs JNJ: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, JNJ (Johnson & Johnson) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. JNJ offers the higher yield at 2.10%, JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score, and HSTM looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price).
Key facts: HSTM vs JNJ
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.10%, versus 0.41% for HealthStream, Inc. (HSTM).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HSTM's dividend safety B (72/100) and JNJ's A (94/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, HSTM has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and JNJ for 55.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HSTM pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and JNJ pays out 61%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HSTM's fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price and JNJ's fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price, so HSTM looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HSTM vs JNJ: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hstm-vs-jnj
| Metric | HSTM | JNJ |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.41% | 2.10% |
| Annual dividend | $0.14 | $5.36 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 61% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 55 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 5.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 43% | 64% |
| Dividend safety score | 72 (B) | 94 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $41.79 | $199.45 |
| Upside to fair value | +26% | -22% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $1.0B | $615.9B |
| P/E ratio | 46.0 | 38.8 |
Higher yield
JNJ
2.10%
Safer dividend
JNJ
Grade A
Faster growth
JNJ
5.2%
Better value
HSTM
+26% upside
HSTM vs JNJ — FAQ
Is HSTM or JNJ a better dividend stock?
On the data, JNJ wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). JNJ offers the higher yield (2.10%), 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, HSTM or JNJ?
JNJ has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.10%, versus 0.41% for HSTM.
Is HSTM or JNJ safer?
JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 72/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HSTM or JNJ better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, HSTM looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price (undervalued). For JNJ, its fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.