CVS vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, CVS (CVS Health Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CVS offers the higher yield at 3.27%, CVS has the higher dividend-safety score, and CVS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 45% above its share price).
Key facts: CVS vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, CVS Health Corporation (CVS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.27%, versus 2.35% for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CVS's dividend safety A (91/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, CVS has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, CVS pays out 31% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 52%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, CVS's fair-value estimate is 45% above its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price, so CVS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CVS vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cvs-vs-unh
| Metric | CVS | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.27% | 2.35% |
| Annual dividend | $2.66 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 31% | 52% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.9% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 1% | -8% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $118.19 | $506.68 |
| Upside to fair value | +45% | +28% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $104.1B | $354.6B |
| P/E ratio | 9.4 | 22.6 |
Higher yield
CVS
3.27%
Safer dividend
CVS
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
CVS
+45% upside
CVS vs UNH — FAQ
Is CVS or UNH a better dividend stock?
On the data, CVS wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). CVS offers the higher yield (3.27%), while CVS has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, CVS or UNH?
CVS has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.27%, versus 2.35% for UNH.
Is CVS or UNH safer?
CVS has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CVS or UNH better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, CVS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 45% 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.