JNJ vs NVS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 9, 2026, JNJ and NVS are closely matched. NVS offers the higher yield at 3.31%, JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score, and NVS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 21% above its share price).
Key facts: JNJ vs NVS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 9, 2026, Novartis AG (NVS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.31%, versus 2.09% for Johnson & Johnson (JNJ).
- As of Oct 9, 2026, SmarterDividends grades JNJ's dividend safety A (93/100) and NVS's C (60/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 9, 2026, JNJ has raised its dividend for 55 consecutive years and NVS for 3.
- As of Oct 9, 2026, JNJ pays out 61% of its earnings as dividends and NVS pays out 72%.
- As of Oct 9, 2026, JNJ's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price and NVS's fair-value estimate is 21% above its share price, so NVS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "JNJ vs NVS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 9, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/jnj-vs-nvs
| Metric | JNJ | NVS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.09% | 3.31% |
| Annual dividend | $5.36 | $4.74 |
| Payout ratio | 61% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 55 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.2% | 5.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 57% | 70% |
| Dividend safety score | 93 (A) | 60 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $212.77 | $172.46 |
| Upside to fair value | -17% | +21% |
| Frequency | quarterly | annual |
| Market cap | $618.1B | $272.0B |
| P/E ratio | 29.7 | 21.6 |
Higher yield
NVS
3.31%
Safer dividend
JNJ
Grade A
Faster growth
NVS
5.6%
Better value
NVS
+21% upside
JNJ vs NVS — FAQ
Is JNJ or NVS a better dividend stock?
JNJ and NVS are closely matched. NVS has the higher yield; JNJ scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, JNJ or NVS?
NVS has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.31%, versus 2.09% for JNJ.
Is JNJ or NVS safer?
JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 60/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is JNJ or NVS better value right now?
As of Oct 9, 2026, NVS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 21% above its share price (undervalued). For JNJ, its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.