Johnson & Johnson vs Eli Lilly (JNJ vs LLY)
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) vs Eli Lilly (LLY) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Eli Lilly (LLY) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Johnson & Johnson or Eli Lilly.
Johnson & Johnson vs Eli Lilly: the figures
| Figure | Johnson & Johnson | Eli Lilly |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $276.32 (November 4, 2026) | $1,417.99 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $665.2 billion | $1.26 trillion |
| P/E (TTM) | 41.9x | 46.0x |
| Forward P/E | 23.8x | 28.3x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +5.9% | +38.6% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 16.2% | 31.9% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 0.8x | 1.0x |
| Dividend yield | 2.01% | 0.49% |
| Beta | 0.20 | 0.39 |
Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Johnson & Johnson or Eli Lilly figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly
- Growth: Eli Lilly grew sales +38.6% year on year in its latest quarter, against +5.9% for Johnson & Johnson.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Eli Lilly keeps 31.9 as net profit and Johnson & Johnson keeps 16.2.
- Dividend: Johnson & Johnson yields 2.01% at today's price and Eli Lilly yields 0.49%.
Johnson & Johnson or Eli Lilly: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Eli Lilly is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Johnson & Johnson pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Johnson & Johnson has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Johnson & Johnson trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Johnson & Johnson nor Eli Lilly wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly make money
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)
Johnson & Johnson reports two segments. Innovative Medicine, the larger, sells drugs such as Darzalex, Stelara, Tremfya, Erleada and Carvykti across oncology, immunology and neuroscience. MedTech sells orthopedic devices through DePuy Synthes, surgical tools, cardiovascular products from Abiomed and Shockwave, and vision care. The U.S. is its largest market. Full Johnson & Johnson analysis.
Eli Lilly (LLY)
Eli Lilly sells prescription medicines. Its largest revenue source is tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for obesity, followed by Verzenio for breast cancer, Jardiance and Trulicity for diabetes, Taltz for immunology and Kisunla for Alzheimer's disease. The United States is its biggest market. Full Eli Lilly analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Johnson & Johnson vs Eli Lilly
Is Johnson & Johnson or Eli Lilly the better stock?
Choosing between Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly depends on what you are looking for. Eli Lilly is growing faster right now, and Johnson & Johnson trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Johnson & Johnson or Eli Lilly: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Johnson & Johnson or Eli Lilly?
As of November 4, 2026, Johnson & Johnson yields 2.01% and Eli Lilly yields 0.49%. Also check how much of their profit Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Johnson & Johnson or Eli Lilly?
On P/E, Eli Lilly (46.0x) is more expensive than Johnson & Johnson (41.9x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Johnson & Johnson or Eli Lilly.
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More companies like Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly, not investment advice.