LLY vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 29, 2026, LLY and UNH are closely matched. UNH offers the higher yield at 2.26%, LLY has the higher dividend-safety score, and UNH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 21% above its share price).
Key facts: LLY vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 29, 2026, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.26%, versus 0.54% for Eli Lilly and Company (LLY).
- As of Oct 29, 2026, SmarterDividends grades LLY's dividend safety A (95/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 29, 2026, LLY has raised its dividend for 11 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, LLY pays out 22% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 58%.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, LLY's fair-value estimate is 40% below its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 21% above its share price, so UNH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "LLY vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 29, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/lly-vs-unh
| Metric | LLY | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.54% | 2.26% |
| Annual dividend | $6.92 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 22% | 58% |
| Years of growth | 11 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 15.2% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 413% | -6% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $778.26 | $493.81 |
| Upside to fair value | -40% | +21% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $1.1T | $365.4B |
| P/E ratio | 43.2 | 23.2 |
Higher yield
UNH
2.26%
Safer dividend
LLY
Grade A
Faster growth
LLY
15.2%
Better value
UNH
+21% upside
LLY vs UNH — FAQ
Is LLY or UNH a better dividend stock?
LLY and UNH are closely matched. UNH has the higher yield; LLY scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, LLY or UNH?
UNH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.26%, versus 0.54% for LLY.
Is LLY or UNH safer?
LLY has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is LLY or UNH better value right now?
As of Oct 29, 2026, UNH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 21% above its share price (undervalued). For LLY, its fair-value estimate is 40% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.