Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
AMGN vs SYK
Amgen Inc. versus Stryker Corporation — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
AMGN wins 4–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but SYK can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | AMGN | SYK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 2.68% | 1.07% | AMGN wins |
| Dividend safety | 7.5/10 | 7.6/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | -0.39% vs 5y | +0.08% vs 5y | AMGN wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.40 | 0.93 | AMGN wins |
| Scale | $203.0B | $126.0B | AMGN wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 4 wins | 0 wins | AMGN wins |
Dimension by dimension
AMGN wins on yield (2.68% vs 1.07%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $161 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
AMGN's higher yield (2.68%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus SYK's 1.07% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
Safety scores are too close to call (7.5/10 vs 7.6/10)
Both score within 0.3 points on our 0-10 dividend safety scale — comparable risk profiles on the signals we measure.
AMGN shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
AMGN's yield is 0.39% below its 5y average, versus 0.08% for SYK. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
AMGN is less volatile (beta 0.40 vs 0.93)
Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.
AMGN is 1.6× larger by market cap
Larger companies tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.
Both pay qualified-dividend-eligible distributions
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
How we compare these
Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.
This is educational, not investment advice.Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.
Frequently asked
Which is better for income, AMGN or SYK?
AMGN wins 4–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but SYK can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
AMGN vs SYK: which has a higher dividend yield?
AMGN yields 2.68% and SYK yields 1.07%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $161 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is AMGN or SYK a safer dividend in 2026?
AMGN scores 7.5/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. SYK scores 7.6/10 (Solid). SYK is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, AMGN or SYK?
AMGN's yield is 0.39% below its 5y average, versus 0.08% for SYK. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
AMGN vs SYK: which is more tax-efficient?
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
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