JNJ vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 16, 2026, UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. UNH offers the higher yield at 2.35%, JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score, and UNH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 22% above its share price).
Key facts: JNJ vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 16, 2026, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.35%, versus 2.11% for Johnson & Johnson (JNJ).
- As of Oct 16, 2026, SmarterDividends grades JNJ's dividend safety A (93/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 16, 2026, JNJ has raised its dividend for 55 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Oct 16, 2026, JNJ pays out 61% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 58%.
- As of Oct 16, 2026, JNJ's fair-value estimate is 16% below its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 22% above its share price, so UNH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "JNJ vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 16, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/jnj-vs-unh
| Metric | JNJ | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.11% | 2.35% |
| Annual dividend | $1.30 | $2.21 |
| Payout ratio | 61% | 58% |
| Years of growth | 55 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.2% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 61% | -18% |
| Dividend safety score | 93 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $212.77 | $495.78 |
| Upside to fair value | -16% | +22% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $610.4B | $365.0B |
| P/E ratio | 38.4 | 26.2 |
Higher yield
UNH
2.35%
Safer dividend
JNJ
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
UNH
+22% upside
JNJ vs UNH — FAQ
Is JNJ or UNH a better dividend stock?
On the data, UNH wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). UNH offers the higher yield (2.35%), 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 UNH?
UNH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.35%, versus 2.11% for JNJ.
Is JNJ or UNH safer?
JNJ has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is JNJ or UNH better value right now?
As of Oct 16, 2026, UNH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 22% above its share price (undervalued). For JNJ, its fair-value estimate is 16% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.