BDX vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 23, 2026, UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. UNH offers the higher yield at 2.18%, BDX has the higher dividend-safety score, and UNH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price).
Key facts: BDX vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 23, 2026, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.18%, versus 2.10% for Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX).
- As of Oct 23, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BDX's dividend safety A (90/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 23, 2026, BDX has raised its dividend for 42 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Oct 23, 2026, BDX pays out 72% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 58%.
- As of Oct 23, 2026, BDX's fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price, so UNH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BDX vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 23, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bdx-vs-unh
| Metric | BDX | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.10% | 2.18% |
| Annual dividend | $4.20 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 72% | 58% |
| Years of growth | 42 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 6.0% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 9% | -6% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $129.56 | $493.81 |
| Upside to fair value | -35% | +16% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $54.6B | $381.5B |
| P/E ratio | 46.6 | 27.3 |
Higher yield
UNH
2.18%
Safer dividend
BDX
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
UNH
+16% upside
BDX vs UNH — FAQ
Is BDX or UNH a better dividend stock?
On the data, UNH wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). UNH offers the higher yield (2.18%), while BDX has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, BDX or UNH?
UNH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.18%, versus 2.10% for BDX.
Is BDX or UNH safer?
BDX has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BDX or UNH better value right now?
As of Oct 23, 2026, UNH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price (undervalued). For BDX, its fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.