AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) vs Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

AZN leads on 11 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of AstraZeneca PLC and Johnson & Johnson across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — AZN vs JNJ

growth of $100 · last 30y
AZN +723.4%JNJ +885.6%JNJ compounded faster
2004006008001kStart $100200120062011201620212026$823$986
AZN JNJ

AZN vs JNJ: by the numbers

  • JNJ is the larger company ($579.83B vs $277.22B market cap).
  • AZN trades at the lower earnings multiple (26.92 vs 27.85 P/E).
  • JNJ converts more revenue to profit (21.83% vs 17.19% net margin).
  • AZN grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.99% vs 2.99% CAGR).
  • JNJ pays the higher dividend yield (2.18% vs 1.79%).

Which is better, AZN or JNJ?

Metric tally: AZN 11 · JNJ 5

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueAZN(lower P/E)
GrowthAZN(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeJNJ(higher dividend yield)
QualityJNJ(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricAZNJNJ
P/E ratio26.9227.85
Forward P/E15.3318.87
P/S ratio4.626.11
P/B ratio5.907.25
PEG ratio0.140.21
EV / EBITDA14.9218.71
FCF yield3.26%3.02%

Profitability

MetricAZNJNJ
Gross margin81.68%69.12%
Operating margin23.69%26.87%
Net margin17.19%21.83%
ROE21.95%25.92%
ROIC13.03%13.71%

Dividends

MetricAZNJNJ
Dividend yield1.79%2.18%
Payout ratio48.48%47.51%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAZNJNJ
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.99%2.99%
EPS CAGR (5Y)22.02%11.51%
FCF CAGR (5Y)18.52%-2.38%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.03%10.93%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AZN or JNJ?
It depends on your goal. value: AZN (lower P/E); growth: AZN (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: JNJ (higher dividend yield); quality: JNJ (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, AZN leads 11 to 5.
Is AZN or JNJ cheaper?
On trailing earnings, AZN is cheaper: AZN trades at a 26.92 P/E and JNJ at 27.85.
Which has grown faster, AZN or JNJ?
Over the past five years, AZN grew revenue faster — AZN at a 16.99% CAGR versus JNJ at 2.99%.
Does AZN or JNJ pay a bigger dividend?
AZN yields 1.79% and JNJ yields 2.18% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AZN or JNJ more profitable?
JNJ runs the higher net margin — AZN at 17.19% versus JNJ at 21.83%.
Which has been the better investment, AZN or JNJ?
Over the past 10-year, AZN delivered the higher annualized total return — AZN at 15.77% versus JNJ at 10.46%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 13, 2026.