JNJ vs LH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, JNJ (Johnson & Johnson) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. JNJ offers the higher yield at 1.97%, JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score, and LH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price).
Key facts: JNJ vs LH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.97%, versus 0.79% for Labcorp Holdings Inc. (LH).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades JNJ's dividend safety A (93/100) and LH's A (91/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, JNJ has raised its dividend for 55 consecutive years and LH for 0.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, JNJ pays out 80% of its earnings as dividends and LH pays out 24%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, JNJ's fair-value estimate is 27% below its share price and LH's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so LH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "JNJ vs LH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/jnj-vs-lh
| Metric | JNJ | LH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.97% | 0.79% |
| Annual dividend | $5.36 | $2.88 |
| Payout ratio | 80% | 24% |
| Years of growth | 55 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.2% | — |
| 5-yr total return | 75% | 47% |
| Dividend safety score | 93 (A) | 91 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $199.73 | $278.32 |
| Upside to fair value | -27% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $655.6B | $29.5B |
| P/E ratio | 41.3 | 30.1 |
Higher yield
JNJ
1.97%
Safer dividend
JNJ
Grade A
Faster growth
JNJ
5.2%
Better value
LH
-23% upside
JNJ vs LH — FAQ
Is JNJ or LH a better dividend stock?
On the data, JNJ wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). JNJ offers the higher yield (1.97%), 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, JNJ or LH?
JNJ has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.97%, versus 0.79% for LH.
Is JNJ or LH safer?
JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 91/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is JNJ or LH better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, LH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 23% 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.