HSTM vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. UNH offers the higher yield at 2.31%, UNH has the higher dividend-safety score, and HSTM looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price).
Key facts: HSTM 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 0.41% for HealthStream, Inc. (HSTM).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HSTM's dividend safety B (72/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, HSTM has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HSTM pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 58%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, HSTM's fair-value estimate is 26% above its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 23% above its share price, so HSTM looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HSTM vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hstm-vs-unh
| Metric | HSTM | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.41% | 2.31% |
| Annual dividend | $0.14 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 58% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 43% | -10% |
| Dividend safety score | 72 (B) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $41.79 | $493.81 |
| Upside to fair value | +26% | +23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $1.0B | $360.3B |
| P/E ratio | 46.0 | 25.8 |
Higher yield
UNH
2.31%
Safer dividend
UNH
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
HSTM
+26% upside
HSTM vs UNH — FAQ
Is HSTM or UNH a better dividend stock?
On the data, UNH wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). UNH offers the higher yield (2.31%), 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, HSTM or UNH?
UNH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.31%, versus 0.41% for HSTM.
Is HSTM or UNH safer?
UNH has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 72/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HSTM or UNH better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, HSTM looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 26% 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.