CAH vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, CAH (Cardinal Health, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. UNH offers the higher yield at 2.28%, CAH has the higher dividend-safety score, and CAH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price).
Key facts: CAH vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.28%, versus 0.84% for Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CAH's dividend safety A (99/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, CAH has raised its dividend for 39 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, CAH pays out 28% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 58%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, CAH's fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 20% above its share price, so CAH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CAH vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cah-vs-unh
| Metric | CAH | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.84% | 2.28% |
| Annual dividend | $2.06 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 28% | 58% |
| Years of growth | 39 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 1.0% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 440% | -6% |
| Dividend safety score | 99 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $318.57 | $493.81 |
| Upside to fair value | +27% | +20% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $58.1B | $368.8B |
| P/E ratio | 34.7 | 23.5 |
Higher yield
UNH
2.28%
Safer dividend
CAH
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
CAH
+27% upside
CAH vs UNH — FAQ
Is CAH or UNH a better dividend stock?
On the data, CAH wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). UNH offers the higher yield (2.28%), while CAH has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CAH or UNH?
UNH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.28%, versus 0.84% for CAH.
Is CAH or UNH safer?
CAH has the higher dividend-safety score (99/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CAH or UNH better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, CAH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price (undervalued). For UNH, its fair-value estimate is 20% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.