Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
DHR vs LLY
Danaher Corporation versus Eli Lilly and Company — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
LLY wins 4–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but DHR can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
LLY wins this comparison 4–1 across 6 dimensions. LLY yields 0.62% — lower than DHR's 0.88% — and carries a 8.8/10 dividend safety score (Strong) vs 6.9/10 for DHR (Solid). LLY wins 4–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but DHR can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
On dividend safety, LLY scores 8.8/10 (Strong) vs 6.9/10 (Solid) for DHR — LLY has a stronger composite of payout coverage, yield zone, and dividend trend signals. On yield, DHR's 0.88% vs 0.62% represents a $260 annual income gap on $100,000 invested.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | DHR | LLY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 0.88% | 0.62% | DHR wins |
| Dividend safety | 6.9/10 | 8.8/10 | LLY wins |
| Growth trend | +0.46% vs 5y | -0.27% vs 5y | LLY wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.96 | 0.50 | LLY wins |
| Scale | $130.1B | $1.0T | LLY wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 4 wins | LLY wins |
Dimension by dimension
DHR wins on yield (0.88% vs 0.62%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $26 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
DHR's higher yield (0.88%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus LLY's 0.62% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
LLY wins on safety (8.8/10 vs 6.9/10)
Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. LLY scores better on the weighted average of those factors.
LLY (8.8/10) scores 1.9 points higher than DHR (6.9/10). A higher safety score means lower historical indicators of dividend cut risk — payout ratio, yield zone, and trend all factor in.
LLY shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
LLY's yield is 0.27% below its 5y average, versus 0.46% for DHR. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
LLY is less volatile (beta 0.50 vs 0.96)
Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.
LLY is 7.7× 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, DHR or LLY?
LLY wins 4–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but DHR can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
DHR vs LLY: which has a higher dividend yield?
DHR yields 0.88% and LLY yields 0.62%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $26 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is DHR or LLY a safer dividend in 2026?
DHR scores 6.9/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. LLY scores 8.8/10 (Strong). LLY is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, DHR or LLY?
LLY's yield is 0.27% below its 5y average, versus 0.46% for DHR. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
DHR vs LLY: 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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