JNJ vs MDT: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, JNJ (Johnson & Johnson) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MDT offers the higher yield at 3.02%, JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score, and MDT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price).
Key facts: JNJ vs MDT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Medtronic plc (MDT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.02%, versus 2.03% for Johnson & Johnson (JNJ).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades JNJ's dividend safety A (93/100) and MDT's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, JNJ has raised its dividend for 55 consecutive years and MDT for 25.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, JNJ pays out 80% of its earnings as dividends and MDT pays out 70%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, JNJ's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and MDT's fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price, so MDT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "JNJ vs MDT: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/jnj-vs-mdt
| Metric | JNJ | MDT |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.03% | 3.02% |
| Annual dividend | $5.36 | $2.88 |
| Payout ratio | 80% | 70% |
| Years of growth | 55 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.2% | 4.4% |
| 5-yr total return | 69% | -11% |
| Dividend safety score | 93 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $199.57 | $86.12 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | -10% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $635.1B | $122.0B |
| P/E ratio | 40.0 | 23.4 |
Higher yield
MDT
3.02%
Safer dividend
JNJ
Grade A
Faster growth
JNJ
5.2%
Better value
MDT
-10% upside
JNJ vs MDT — FAQ
Is JNJ or MDT a better dividend stock?
On the data, JNJ wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MDT offers the higher yield (3.02%), 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 MDT?
MDT has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.02%, versus 2.03% for JNJ.
Is JNJ or MDT safer?
JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is JNJ or MDT better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, MDT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price (fairly valued). For JNJ, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.