EHC vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. UNH offers the higher yield at 2.35%, UNH has the higher dividend-safety score, and UNH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 29% above its share price).
Key facts: EHC vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.35%, versus 0.61% for Encompass Health Corporation (EHC).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades EHC's dividend safety C (63/100) and UNH's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, EHC has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, EHC pays out 12% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 52%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, EHC's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 29% above its share price, so UNH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "EHC vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ehc-vs-unh
| Metric | EHC | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.61% | 2.35% |
| Annual dividend | $0.84 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 12% | 52% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -4.7% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 200% | -11% |
| Dividend safety score | 63 (C) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $104.81 | $507.23 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | +29% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $13.5B | $353.2B |
| P/E ratio | 22.0 | 22.5 |
Higher yield
UNH
2.35%
Safer dividend
UNH
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
UNH
+29% upside
EHC vs UNH — FAQ
Is EHC or UNH a better dividend stock?
On the data, UNH wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). UNH offers the higher yield (2.35%), while UNH has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, EHC or UNH?
UNH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.35%, versus 0.61% for EHC.
Is EHC or UNH safer?
UNH has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 63/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is EHC or UNH better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, UNH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 29% above its share price (undervalued). For EHC, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.