Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) vs Microsoft (MSFT)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has outperformed Microsoft (MSFT) over the past year, gaining 36.8% versus a gain of 1.1%. Over five years, MSFT leads with a +74.1% price change compared with +60.2% for JNJ. Microsoft is the larger company by market cap ($3.88 trillion vs $618.09 billion), about 6.3 times the size.
On valuation, Johnson & Johnson trades at a lower forward P/E (21.2x vs 22.1x for Microsoft). Johnson & Johnson offers the higher dividend yield (2.04% vs 0.70%). Microsoft converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 40.3% versus 28.5%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | JNJ | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $256.48 | $522.61 |
| Market cap | $618.09B | $3.88T |
| 1-day change | -0.76% | -1.35% |
| YTD return | +24.89% | +9.54% |
| 1-year return | +36.83% | +1.10% |
| 5-year return | +60.23% | +74.14% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 29.72 | 29.11 |
| Forward P/E | 21.19 | 22.07 |
| EPS (TTM) | $8.63 | $17.95 |
| Dividend yield | 2.04% | 0.70% |
| Annual dividend | $5.24 | $3.64 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $94.19B | $331.84B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +6.05% | +17.79% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $26.80B | $133.75B |
| Gross margin | 67.88% | 67.94% |
| Operating margin | — | 46.78% |
| Net margin | 28.46% | 40.31% |
| 52-week high | $281.07 | $553.72 |
| 52-week low | $184.66 | $349.20 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -8.75% | -5.62% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +9.03% | +12.44% |
| Average volume | 7.02M | 27.86M |
| Shares outstanding | 2.41B | 7.43B |
| Employees | 138,200 | 223,000 |
| Sector | Health Care | Technology |
| Industry | Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Preparations | Computer Software: Prepackaged Software |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Microsoft is about 6.3 times larger than Johnson & Johnson by market value ($3.88T vs $618.09B).
- JNJ has outperformed MSFT by 35.7 percentage points over the past year.
- Johnson & Johnson offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.04% vs 0.70%).
- Microsoft is more profitable, keeping 40.3 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 28.5 cents for Johnson & Johnson.
- Microsoft grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+17.79% vs +6.05%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Johnson & Johnson in Health Care and Microsoft in Technology.
About Johnson & Johnson
JNJ stock →Johnson & Johnson, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and sale of a range of products in the healthcare field worldwide. It operates in two segments, Innovative Medicine and MedTech.
Health Care · Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Preparations · 138,200 employees
About Microsoft
MSFT stock →Microsoft Corporation, a technology company, develops and supports a portfolio of technology solutions for individuals and businesses worldwide. Its products include operating systems, server applications, business solution applications, software development tools, desktop and server management tools, and video games; and devices, such as PCs, tablets, gaming and entertainment consoles, other intelligent devices, and related accessories.
Technology · Computer Software: Prepackaged Software · 223,000 employees
JNJ vs MSFT FAQ
Which is bigger, Johnson & Johnson or Microsoft?
Microsoft (MSFT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.88T compared with $618.09B for Johnson & Johnson (JNJ).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, JNJ or MSFT?
JNJ returned +36.83% over the past 12 months, compared with +1.10% for MSFT (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, JNJ or MSFT?
MSFT has the lower trailing P/E at 29.1, versus 29.7 for JNJ. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Johnson & Johnson or Microsoft?
Johnson & Johnson has the higher yield at 2.04%, compared with 0.70% for Microsoft.
Are Johnson & Johnson and Microsoft in the same industry?
No. Johnson & Johnson is in the Health Care sector, while Microsoft is in Technology.