Johnson & Johnson vs Medtronic (JNJ vs MDT)
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) vs Medtronic (MDT) 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 Medtronic (MDT) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic 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 Medtronic.
Johnson & Johnson vs Medtronic: the figures
| Figure | Johnson & Johnson | Medtronic |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $276.32 (November 4, 2026) | $104.96 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $665.2 billion | $134.3 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 41.9x | 25.8x |
| Forward P/E | 23.8x | 16.4x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +5.9% | +13.7% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 16.2% | 13.9% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 0.8x | 1.9x |
| Dividend yield | 2.01% | 2.91% |
| Beta | 0.20 | 0.57 |
Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Johnson & Johnson or Medtronic figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic
- Valuation: Johnson & Johnson trades at 41.9x its annual earnings and Medtronic at 25.8x; the market pays more for each dollar of Johnson & Johnson profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Growth: Medtronic grew sales +13.7% year on year in its latest quarter, against +5.9% for Johnson & Johnson.
- Size: Johnson & Johnson is worth $665.2 billion on the stock market, about 5.0 times Medtronic ($134.3 billion).
Johnson & Johnson or Medtronic: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Medtronic 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): Medtronic 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: Medtronic 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 Medtronic 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 Medtronic 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.
Medtronic (MDT)
Medtronic sells medical devices to hospitals around the world. Cardiovascular, its largest segment, includes pacemakers, defibrillators and heart valves. Neuroscience covers spine, neuromodulation and specialty therapies, Medical Surgical offers surgical tools and the Hugo robot, and Diabetes sells MiniMed insulin pumps and glucose monitoring systems. Full Medtronic analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Johnson & Johnson vs Medtronic
Is Johnson & Johnson or Medtronic the better stock?
Choosing between Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic depends on what you are looking for. Medtronic is growing faster right now, and Medtronic trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Johnson & Johnson or Medtronic: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Johnson & Johnson or Medtronic?
As of November 4, 2026, Medtronic yields 2.91% and Johnson & Johnson yields 2.01%. Also check how much of their profit Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Johnson & Johnson or Medtronic?
On P/E, Johnson & Johnson (41.9x) is more expensive than Medtronic (25.8x) 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 Medtronic?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic, 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 Medtronic.
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More companies like Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic, not investment advice.