Dividend comparison
ABBV vs JNJ: Which Is Better for Income?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for AbbVie Inc. and Johnson & Johnson, side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
ABBV vs JNJ: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
- Income. ABBV pays more income, yielding 2.45% over the last twelve months versus 2.08% for JNJ. That is about $37 more a year on $10,000. Both pay quarterly.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, ABBV returned 209.2% versus 81.2% for JNJ, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $30,921 in ABBV and $18,119 in JNJ.
- Risk. ABBV has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 5 years was -21.9%, against -18.4% for JNJ.
- Dividend growth. ABBV grew its yearly payout 6.0% a year over the last 4 years, versus 5.2% for JNJ.
Bottom line: ABBV fits better if you care most about more income today and stronger 5-year returns. JNJ fits better if you care most about smaller drawdowns.
Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
| Metric | ABBV AbbVie Inc. | JNJ Johnson & Johnson |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 2.45% | 2.08% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $6.92 | $5.28 |
| Payout frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Last dividend | $1.7300 on Aug 14, 2026 | $1.3400 on Sep 8, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Oct 15, 2026 | Nov 24, 2026 |
| Next payment | $1.7300 on Nov 16, 2026 | $1.3400 on Dec 8, 2026 |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 6.0% over 4 yrs | 5.2% over 4 yrs |
| Price | $289.08 | $259.36 |
| Payout ratio (TTM) | 189.7% | 78.4% |
| Dividend growth streak | 11 years | 54 years |
| Beta | 0.28 | 0.23 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -21.9% | -18.4% |
| Market cap | $504.37B | $615.87B |
| Exchange | NYSE | NYSE |
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.
ABBV
$20.39/mo
$245 /yr at 2.45% yield
JNJ
$17.34/mo
$208 /yr at 2.08% yield
Dividend history
Total dividends paid per share in each calendar year. ABBV pays quarterly; JNJ pays quarterly.
| Year | ABBV | JNJ |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $6.5600 | $5.1400 |
| 2024 | $6.2000 | $4.9100 |
| 2023 | $5.9200 | $4.7000 |
| 2022 | $5.6400 | $4.4500 |
| 2021 | $5.2000 | $4.1900 |
Strategy: Dividend stocks
Individual companies with long records of paying and raising dividends. Comparing two of them comes down to how safe the payout is, measured by the payout ratio and balance sheet, how fast it has grown, and what the business needs to keep earning it. A single stock carries company-specific risk that a fund spreads out.
A single company can cut or suspend its dividend, and one holding can fall far more than a diversified fund.
Performance
Total returns with dividends reinvested, from the adjusted closing price series. $10,000 invested on Oct 20, 2021 would now be worth $30,921 in ABBV and $18,119 in JNJ.
| Period | ABBV | JNJ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 9.52% | -3.94% |
| 3 months | 13.59% | 2.50% |
| Year to date | 26.52% | 26.71% |
| 1 year | 24.57% | 36.23% |
| 3 years | 112.08% | 83.71% |
| 5 years | 209.21% | 81.19% |
- ABBV
- JNJ
Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-10-20 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Quick verdict
ABBV fits better if you care most about more income today and stronger 5-year returns. JNJ fits better if you care most about smaller drawdowns. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.
Still deciding? Compare them in your portfolio
Forecast dividend income, track payouts, and see how ABBV vs JNJ fits with the rest of your holdings. Free to start — no credit card required for the trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is ABBV or JNJ better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. ABBV currently yields 2.45% Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) while JNJ yields 2.08%. Higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, but may come with different risk, growth, or NAV characteristics. Compare total return and payout sustainability — not just the headline yield.
What is the difference between ABBV and JNJ?
AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) is a stock listed on NYSE. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is a stock listed on NYSE. Side-by-side metrics on this page cover yield, fees, returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history when available.
Which has performed better, ABBV or JNJ?
Over the last 5 years, ABBV has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: ABBV returned 209.2% and JNJ returned 81.2%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, ABBV or JNJ?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, ABBV has been riskier: ABBV fell as much as 21.9% and JNJ as much as 18.4%. Their betas are 0.28 and 0.23.
How often do ABBV and JNJ pay dividends?
Both pay quarterly. The most recent payments were $1.7300 for ABBV and $1.3400 for JNJ.
How much income does $10,000 in ABBV vs JNJ generate?
At current TTM yields, $10,000 in ABBV would generate roughly $20.39 per month ($245 annually). The same amount in JNJ would produce about $17.34 per month ($208 annually). Actual payouts vary with distribution changes and reinvestment.
Can I hold both ABBV and JNJ?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify strategy or index exposure. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on overlapping holdings and factor exposure. Model both inside Dividend Wealth to see combined income, sector mix, and forecast impact.
Where can I compare ABBV vs JNJ with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how ABBV and JNJ fit alongside the rest of your portfolio. A 14-day free trial of Standard is available with no credit card required; a limited Free plan is also available.
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For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.