CHE vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CHE (Chemed Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. UNH offers the higher yield at 2.31%, CHE has the higher dividend-safety score, and CHE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 34% above its share price).
Key facts: CHE vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 0.55% for Chemed Corporation (CHE).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CHE's dividend safety A (90/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CHE has raised its dividend for 17 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CHE pays out 12% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 58%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CHE's fair-value estimate is 34% above its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 23% above its share price, so CHE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CHE vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/che-vs-unh
| Metric | CHE | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.55% | 2.31% |
| Annual dividend | $2.80 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 12% | 58% |
| Years of growth | 17 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 10.8% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 10% | -10% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $686.78 | $493.81 |
| Upside to fair value | +34% | +23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $6.7B | $360.3B |
| P/E ratio | 25.2 | 25.8 |
Higher yield
UNH
2.31%
Safer dividend
CHE
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
CHE
+34% upside
CHE vs UNH — FAQ
Is CHE or UNH a better dividend stock?
On the data, CHE wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). UNH offers the higher yield (2.31%), while CHE has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CHE or UNH?
UNH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 0.55% for CHE.
Is CHE or UNH safer?
CHE has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CHE or UNH better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, CHE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 34% above its share price (undervalued). For UNH, its fair-value estimate is 23% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.