Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
JNJ vs SYK
Johnson & Johnson versus Stryker Corporation — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
JNJ wins 5–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but SYK can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
JNJ or SYK — which is better?
JNJ wins this comparison 5–0 across 6 dimensions. JNJ yields 2.03% — higher than SYK's 1.07% — and carries a 8.0/10 dividend safety score (Strong) vs 7.6/10 for SYK (Solid). JNJ wins 5–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but SYK can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
On yield alone, JNJ generates 2.03% vs 1.07% — a 0.96% difference that translates to $960 more per year on a $100,000 investment.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | JNJ | SYK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 2.03% | 1.07% | JNJ wins |
| Dividend safety | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 | JNJ wins |
| Growth trend | -0.65% vs 5y | +0.08% vs 5y | JNJ wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.21 | 0.93 | JNJ wins |
| Scale | $635.6B | $126.0B | JNJ wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 5 wins | 0 wins | JNJ wins |
Dimension by dimension
JNJ wins on yield (2.03% vs 1.07%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $96 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
JNJ's higher yield (2.03%) 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.
JNJ wins on safety (8.0/10 vs 7.6/10)
Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. JNJ scores better on the weighted average of those factors.
JNJ shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
JNJ's yield is 0.65% below its 5y average, versus 0.08% for SYK. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
JNJ is less volatile (beta 0.21 vs 0.93)
Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.
JNJ is 5.0× 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.
Full breakdown per ticker: are JNJ dividends qualified and are SYK dividends qualified — each with the after-tax income at every federal bracket.
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
JNJ or SYK — which is better?
JNJ is better on our scoring, winning 5–0 across six dimensions: yield, dividend safety, growth, cost, scale, and tax treatment. JNJ wins 5–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but SYK can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Which is better for income, JNJ or SYK?
JNJ wins 5–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but SYK can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
JNJ vs SYK: which has a higher dividend yield?
JNJ yields 2.03% and SYK yields 1.07%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $96 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is JNJ or SYK a safer dividend in 2026?
JNJ scores 8.0/10 (Strong) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. SYK scores 7.6/10 (Solid). JNJ is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, JNJ or SYK?
JNJ's yield is 0.65% below its 5y average, versus 0.08% for SYK. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
JNJ 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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Compare both against your actual holdings
Put JNJ and SYK into the free analyzer with the rest of your portfolio. You'll see what each one contributes to your annual income, your weighted safety score, and whether adding JNJ diversifies you or just duplicates what you hold. No account, no download.