GILD vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 2, 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 2.28%, UNH has the higher dividend-safety score, and UNH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 25% above its share price).
Key facts: GILD vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 2, 2026, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.28%, versus 1.92% for Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD).
- As of Nov 2, 2026, SmarterDividends grades GILD's dividend safety A (84/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 2, 2026, GILD has raised its dividend for 10 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, GILD pays out 43% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 58%.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, GILD's fair-value estimate is 26% below its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 25% above its share price, so UNH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "GILD vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 2, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/gild-vs-unh
| Metric | GILD | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.92% | 2.28% |
| Annual dividend | $3.28 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 43% | 58% |
| Years of growth | 10 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.0% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 148% | -8% |
| Dividend safety score | 84 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $126.20 | $506.68 |
| Upside to fair value | -26% | +25% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $211.7B | $365.3B |
| P/E ratio | — | 23.2 |
Higher yield
UNH
2.28%
Safer dividend
UNH
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
UNH
+25% upside
GILD vs UNH — FAQ
Is GILD or UNH a better dividend stock?
On the data, UNH wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). UNH offers the higher yield (2.28%), 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, GILD or UNH?
UNH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.28%, versus 1.92% for GILD.
Is GILD or UNH safer?
UNH has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 84/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is GILD or UNH better value right now?
As of Nov 2, 2026, UNH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 25% above its share price (undervalued). For GILD, its fair-value estimate is 26% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.