ABBV vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 29, 2026, UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ABBV offers the higher yield at 2.41%, UNH has the higher dividend-safety score, and UNH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 21% above its share price).
Key facts: ABBV vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 29, 2026, AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.41%, versus 2.26% for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH).
- As of Oct 29, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ABBV's dividend safety A (80/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 29, 2026, ABBV has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, ABBV pays out 190% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 58%.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, ABBV's fair-value estimate is 32% below its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 21% above its share price, so UNH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ABBV vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 29, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/abbv-vs-unh
| Metric | ABBV | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.41% | 2.26% |
| Annual dividend | $6.92 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 190% | 58% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.8% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 148% | -6% |
| Dividend safety score | 80 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $193.64 | $493.81 |
| Upside to fair value | -32% | +21% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $505.4B | $365.4B |
| P/E ratio | 80.8 | 23.2 |
Higher yield
ABBV
2.41%
Safer dividend
UNH
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
UNH
+21% upside
ABBV vs UNH — FAQ
Is ABBV or UNH a better dividend stock?
On the data, UNH wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). ABBV offers the higher yield (2.41%), while UNH has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ABBV or UNH?
ABBV has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.41%, versus 2.26% for UNH.
Is ABBV or UNH safer?
UNH has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 80/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ABBV or UNH better value right now?
As of Oct 29, 2026, UNH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 21% above its share price (undervalued). For ABBV, its fair-value estimate is 32% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.