Johnson & Johnson's Healthy 3.3%-Yielding Dividend Is a Very Safe Way to Make Passive Income

Core Viewpoint - Johnson & Johnson is a reliable dividend stock with a strong financial profile, showcasing its ability to maintain and grow dividends while investing heavily in research and development and strategic growth opportunities [1][12]. Financial Performance - The company reported approximately $6.2 billion in free cash flow for the first half of the year, covering its year-to-date dividend payment of $6.1 billion [4]. - Free cash flow decreased slightly from $7.5 billion in the same period last year, but the company generated $20 billion in total free cash flow last year, easily covering its $11.8 billion dividend outlay [5]. - Johnson & Johnson has a pristine AAA bond rating and ended the first quarter with $19 billion in cash and marketable securities, against $51 billion in debt, resulting in a net debt of $32 billion [6]. Investment Strategy - The company invested over $17 billion in R&D last year, representing 19.4% of total sales, and a total of $50 billion in growth initiatives, including acquisitions [8]. - Johnson & Johnson anticipates elevated growth in the second half of the year, raising its annual revenue guidance by $2 billion, implying a 5.4% growth for the full year [9]. Future Outlook - By 2027, the company expects one-third of its MedTech sales to come from new products, and it plans to launch over 10 innovative medicine assets by 2030, potentially generating over $5 billion in peak-year sales [10][11]. - The company’s strong balance sheet will support continued R&D efforts and strategic M&A opportunities, ensuring ongoing revenue and free cash flow growth [11].