Strong Dividends and Steady Growth: Johnson & Johnson and Merck
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 23 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
- Overview of J&J and Merck: Johnson & Johnson and Merck are among the largest pharmaceutical companies, with Merck's Keytruda being the world's best-selling cancer drug, expected to drive sales growth until its patent expiration in 2028.
- Merck's Innovative Products: Merck has launched a subcutaneous version of Keytruda that is easier to administer, along with new products like Winrevair and Capvaxive, demonstrating its strong capability to navigate patent expirations.
- Johnson & Johnson's Stability: Despite facing patent cliffs and tariff threats, Johnson & Johnson maintains consistent revenue and earnings, showcasing an excellent track record of long-term performance due to its extensive pharmaceutical portfolio and strong presence in the medical device market.
- Attraction of Dividend Growth: Merck offers a 3.1% dividend yield with a 94% increase over the past decade, while Johnson & Johnson is renowned for its 63 consecutive years of dividend increases, making reinvested dividends a significant boost for long-term investors' returns.
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Analyst Views on JNJ
Wall Street analysts forecast JNJ stock price to fall
20 Analyst Rating
13 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 244.120
Low
190.00
Averages
218.50
High
240.00
Current: 244.120
Low
190.00
Averages
218.50
High
240.00
About JNJ
Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries are engaged in the research and development, manufacture, and sale of a range of products in the healthcare field. The Company’s segments include Innovative Medicine and MedTech. The Innovative Medicine segment is focused on various therapeutic areas, including immunology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, oncology, pulmonary hypertension, cardiovascular and metabolism. Its products include REMICADE (infliximab), SIMPONI (golimumab), SIMPONI ARIA (golimumab), STELARA (ustekinumab), TREMFYA (guselkumab), EDURANT (rilpivirine), and INVEGA SUSTENNA/XEPLION (paliperidone palmitate). The MedTech segment includes a portfolio of products used in cardiovascular, orthopedics, surgery, and vision categories. The Cardiovascular portfolio includes electrophysiology products to treat heart rhythm disorders and circulatory restoration products (Shockwave) for the treatment of calcified coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Johnson & Johnson's Strong Operations Support Dividend Growth
- Dividend Growth History: Johnson & Johnson has increased its dividends for 63 consecutive years, establishing itself as a Dividend King, which enhances investor confidence in its ability to maintain stable payouts amid economic volatility.
- Sales Growth Projection: The company is projected to reach $100 billion in sales this year, marking it as only the second biopharma company to achieve this milestone, despite challenges from government price negotiations, showcasing its strong market position and product demand.
- Diversified Product Line: Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical business spans several major therapeutic areas with multiple drugs generating over $1 billion in annual sales, effectively mitigating risks associated with patent expirations and ensuring long-term profitability.
- Financial Health: With an AAA rating from S&P Global, Johnson & Johnson demonstrates exceptional financial health, positioning itself to perform strongly amid economic uncertainties, further solidifying its status as a preferred choice for investors.
See More
Trump Administration Plans 100% Tariffs on Imported Pharmaceuticals
- Tariff Policy Shift: The Trump administration is preparing to impose tariffs of up to 100% on branded drugs from companies that have not negotiated price reductions, potentially impacting major pharmaceutical firms like Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Novo Nordisk, thereby increasing price volatility in the drug market.
- Manufacturing Incentives: Drugmakers can reduce or avoid tariffs by relocating production to the U.S. or negotiating deals with the administration, aiming to stimulate domestic manufacturing and potentially leading to a resurgence of investments in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Tariff Implementation Details: The draft proposal includes a 20% tariff for companies planning to onshore production, escalating to 100% in four years, which could significantly influence the long-term strategic positioning of the pharmaceutical industry.
- National Security Considerations: The tariff proposal stems from a Commerce Department investigation that identified certain pharmaceutical imports as a national security risk, highlighting the government's heightened focus on the security of drug supply chains.
See More
Johnson & Johnson Stock Supported by Strong Financials
- Strong Financial Performance: Johnson & Johnson reported revenue of $94.2 billion in 2025, a 6% increase, with earnings per share (EPS) reaching $11.03, up 90.5%, reflecting significant profitability improvement post-Kenvue spinoff.
- Consistent Dividend Growth: The company has raised its dividend for 63 consecutive years, with the latest 4.8% increase bringing the quarterly payout to $1.30 per share, resulting in a current yield of approximately 2.1%, bolstering investor confidence in its stock.
- Leading R&D Investment: Johnson & Johnson invested $14.6 billion in research and development last year, achieving 51 drug approvals and launching 15 new med-tech products, underscoring its leadership and innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Existing Risks: Despite strong financials, Johnson & Johnson faces tens of thousands of lawsuits and pricing pressures from the Inflation Reduction Act, which could impact its future profit margins.
See More
Stagflation Fears Rise: Investment Strategies for Resilience
- Surge in Stagflation Searches: Google Trends indicates a 650% increase in searches for 'stagflation 2026' over the past three months, highlighting growing market concerns about economic stagnation and high inflation, prompting investors to reassess potential recession risks.
- Deteriorating Job Data: The U.S. lost 92,000 jobs in February, significantly worse than expected, leading to a 40% probability assessment for a U.S. recession, which could negatively impact consumer spending and corporate earnings.
- Energy Stocks Benefit: In a stagflation scenario, ExxonMobil (XOM), the largest energy company in the U.S., stands to gain as rising oil and gas prices boost its revenues and share price, making it a preferred safe haven for investors amid economic uncertainty.
- Defensive Stock Strategy: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Walmart (WMT) are viewed as top defensive investments in a stagnating economy with high inflation, with J&J benefiting from stable demand for medical products and Walmart leveraging its position in low-priced consumer goods to maintain steady returns during stagflation.
See More
Top Dividend Stocks to Buy Now
- Strong Credit Rating: Johnson & Johnson boasts an AAA credit rating, surpassing that of the U.S. government, which underscores its financial stability and attracts investors seeking safe havens, with a dividend yield exceeding 2.1% expected to remain steady amid economic uncertainties.
- Brand Loyalty: PepsiCo has built a robust brand loyalty through its diverse food and beverage portfolio, including brands like Lay's and Gatorade, allowing it to maintain a solid 3.7% dividend yield even during inflationary periods, showcasing its strong pricing power and profitability.
- Recession Resistance: Walmart is recognized as one of the most recession-resistant stocks, operating over 3,500 supercenters and more than 1,000 smaller stores, which helps it attract consumers during economic downturns, while also increasing its dividend for 53 consecutive years, despite a modest 0.8% yield.
- Investment Recommendations: Given the heightened market uncertainties, the analyst team's recommendations for dividend stocks like Johnson & Johnson, PepsiCo, and Walmart highlight their stability and growth potential during economic downturns, making them suitable for investors seeking safe investments.
See More
Three Dividend Stocks Worth Buying Now
- Strong Credit Rating: Johnson & Johnson boasts an AAA credit rating, surpassing that of the U.S. government, with a market cap of $589 billion, indicating its robustness in uncertain markets, making it suitable for safety-seeking investors.
- Stable Dividend Growth: Johnson & Johnson has increased its dividend for 63 consecutive years, with a current yield of 2.13%, ensuring continued business growth due to the stability of healthcare demand even amidst economic fluctuations.
- Brand Loyalty: PepsiCo, with a market cap of $212 billion and a dividend yield of 3.66%, owns numerous well-known brands, and its products are considered small luxuries that consumers are likely to continue purchasing during inflation, ensuring profitability.
- Economic Resilience: Walmart is renowned for its low-price strategy and strong e-commerce presence, with a market cap of $991 billion and a dividend yield of 0.77%, attracting consumers even in economic downturns, demonstrating its risk resilience in the market.
See More
Johnson & Johnson's Strong Operations Support Dividend Growth
- Dividend Growth History: Johnson & Johnson has increased its dividends for 63 consecutive years, establishing itself as a Dividend King, which enhances investor confidence in its ability to maintain stable payouts amid economic volatility.
- Sales Growth Projection: The company is projected to reach $100 billion in sales this year, marking it as only the second biopharma company to achieve this milestone, despite challenges from government price negotiations, showcasing its strong market position and product demand.
- Diversified Product Line: Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical business spans several major therapeutic areas with multiple drugs generating over $1 billion in annual sales, effectively mitigating risks associated with patent expirations and ensuring long-term profitability.
- Financial Health: With an AAA rating from S&P Global, Johnson & Johnson demonstrates exceptional financial health, positioning itself to perform strongly amid economic uncertainties, further solidifying its status as a preferred choice for investors.
See More
Trump Administration Plans 100% Tariffs on Imported Pharmaceuticals
- Tariff Policy Shift: The Trump administration is preparing to impose tariffs of up to 100% on branded drugs from companies that have not negotiated price reductions, potentially impacting major pharmaceutical firms like Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Novo Nordisk, thereby increasing price volatility in the drug market.
- Manufacturing Incentives: Drugmakers can reduce or avoid tariffs by relocating production to the U.S. or negotiating deals with the administration, aiming to stimulate domestic manufacturing and potentially leading to a resurgence of investments in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Tariff Implementation Details: The draft proposal includes a 20% tariff for companies planning to onshore production, escalating to 100% in four years, which could significantly influence the long-term strategic positioning of the pharmaceutical industry.
- National Security Considerations: The tariff proposal stems from a Commerce Department investigation that identified certain pharmaceutical imports as a national security risk, highlighting the government's heightened focus on the security of drug supply chains.
See More
Johnson & Johnson Stock Supported by Strong Financials
- Strong Financial Performance: Johnson & Johnson reported revenue of $94.2 billion in 2025, a 6% increase, with earnings per share (EPS) reaching $11.03, up 90.5%, reflecting significant profitability improvement post-Kenvue spinoff.
- Consistent Dividend Growth: The company has raised its dividend for 63 consecutive years, with the latest 4.8% increase bringing the quarterly payout to $1.30 per share, resulting in a current yield of approximately 2.1%, bolstering investor confidence in its stock.
- Leading R&D Investment: Johnson & Johnson invested $14.6 billion in research and development last year, achieving 51 drug approvals and launching 15 new med-tech products, underscoring its leadership and innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Existing Risks: Despite strong financials, Johnson & Johnson faces tens of thousands of lawsuits and pricing pressures from the Inflation Reduction Act, which could impact its future profit margins.
See More
Stagflation Fears Rise: Investment Strategies for Resilience
- Surge in Stagflation Searches: Google Trends indicates a 650% increase in searches for 'stagflation 2026' over the past three months, highlighting growing market concerns about economic stagnation and high inflation, prompting investors to reassess potential recession risks.
- Deteriorating Job Data: The U.S. lost 92,000 jobs in February, significantly worse than expected, leading to a 40% probability assessment for a U.S. recession, which could negatively impact consumer spending and corporate earnings.
- Energy Stocks Benefit: In a stagflation scenario, ExxonMobil (XOM), the largest energy company in the U.S., stands to gain as rising oil and gas prices boost its revenues and share price, making it a preferred safe haven for investors amid economic uncertainty.
- Defensive Stock Strategy: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Walmart (WMT) are viewed as top defensive investments in a stagnating economy with high inflation, with J&J benefiting from stable demand for medical products and Walmart leveraging its position in low-priced consumer goods to maintain steady returns during stagflation.
See More
Top Dividend Stocks to Buy Now
- Strong Credit Rating: Johnson & Johnson boasts an AAA credit rating, surpassing that of the U.S. government, which underscores its financial stability and attracts investors seeking safe havens, with a dividend yield exceeding 2.1% expected to remain steady amid economic uncertainties.
- Brand Loyalty: PepsiCo has built a robust brand loyalty through its diverse food and beverage portfolio, including brands like Lay's and Gatorade, allowing it to maintain a solid 3.7% dividend yield even during inflationary periods, showcasing its strong pricing power and profitability.
- Recession Resistance: Walmart is recognized as one of the most recession-resistant stocks, operating over 3,500 supercenters and more than 1,000 smaller stores, which helps it attract consumers during economic downturns, while also increasing its dividend for 53 consecutive years, despite a modest 0.8% yield.
- Investment Recommendations: Given the heightened market uncertainties, the analyst team's recommendations for dividend stocks like Johnson & Johnson, PepsiCo, and Walmart highlight their stability and growth potential during economic downturns, making them suitable for investors seeking safe investments.
See More
Three Dividend Stocks Worth Buying Now
- Strong Credit Rating: Johnson & Johnson boasts an AAA credit rating, surpassing that of the U.S. government, with a market cap of $589 billion, indicating its robustness in uncertain markets, making it suitable for safety-seeking investors.
- Stable Dividend Growth: Johnson & Johnson has increased its dividend for 63 consecutive years, with a current yield of 2.13%, ensuring continued business growth due to the stability of healthcare demand even amidst economic fluctuations.
- Brand Loyalty: PepsiCo, with a market cap of $212 billion and a dividend yield of 3.66%, owns numerous well-known brands, and its products are considered small luxuries that consumers are likely to continue purchasing during inflation, ensuring profitability.
- Economic Resilience: Walmart is renowned for its low-price strategy and strong e-commerce presence, with a market cap of $991 billion and a dividend yield of 0.77%, attracting consumers even in economic downturns, demonstrating its risk resilience in the market.
See More
