CI vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, CI and UNH are closely matched. UNH offers the higher yield at 2.35%, UNH has the higher dividend-safety score, and CI looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 113% above its share price).
Key facts: CI vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.35%, versus 2.04% for The Cigna Group (CI).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CI's dividend safety B (79/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, CI has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, CI pays out 25% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 52%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, CI's fair-value estimate is 113% above its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price, so CI looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CI vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ci-vs-unh
| Metric | CI | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.04% | 2.35% |
| Annual dividend | $6.24 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 25% | 52% |
| Years of growth | 5 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 106.7% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 55% | -8% |
| Dividend safety score | 79 (B) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $643.14 | $506.68 |
| Upside to fair value | +113% | +28% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $79.7B | $354.6B |
| P/E ratio | 13.3 | 22.6 |
Higher yield
UNH
2.35%
Safer dividend
UNH
Grade A
Faster growth
CI
106.7%
Better value
CI
+113% upside
CI vs UNH — FAQ
Is CI or UNH a better dividend stock?
CI and UNH are closely matched. UNH has the higher yield; UNH scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CI or UNH?
UNH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.35%, versus 2.04% for CI.
Is CI or UNH safer?
UNH has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 79/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CI or UNH better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, CI looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 113% above its share price (undervalued). For UNH, its fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.