JNJ vs STE: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, JNJ and STE are closely matched. JNJ offers the higher yield at 1.97%, STE has the higher dividend-safety score, and STE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price).
Key facts: JNJ vs STE
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.97%, versus 1.11% for STERIS plc (STE).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades JNJ's dividend safety A (93/100) and STE's A (94/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, JNJ has raised its dividend for 55 consecutive years and STE for 20.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, JNJ pays out 80% of its earnings as dividends and STE pays out 31%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, JNJ's fair-value estimate is 27% below its share price and STE's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so STE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "JNJ vs STE: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/jnj-vs-ste
| Metric | JNJ | STE |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.97% | 1.11% |
| Annual dividend | $5.36 | $2.76 |
| Payout ratio | 80% | 31% |
| Years of growth | 55 yr | 20 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.2% | 8.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 75% | 4% |
| Dividend safety score | 93 (A) | 94 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $199.73 | $192.08 |
| Upside to fair value | -27% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $655.6B | $24.8B |
| P/E ratio | 41.3 | 30.1 |
Higher yield
JNJ
1.97%
Safer dividend
STE
Grade A
Faster growth
STE
8.9%
Better value
STE
-24% upside
JNJ vs STE — FAQ
Is JNJ or STE a better dividend stock?
JNJ and STE are closely matched. JNJ has the higher yield; STE scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, JNJ or STE?
JNJ has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.97%, versus 1.11% for STE.
Is JNJ or STE safer?
STE has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 93/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is JNJ or STE better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, STE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 24% 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.