MDT vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MDT offers the higher yield at 3.02%, MDT has the higher dividend-safety score, and UNH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 18% above its share price).
Key facts: MDT vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Medtronic plc (MDT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.02%, versus 2.22% for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MDT's dividend safety A (90/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, MDT has raised its dividend for 25 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, MDT pays out 70% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 58%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, MDT's fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 18% above its share price, so UNH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MDT vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mdt-vs-unh
| Metric | MDT | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.02% | 2.22% |
| Annual dividend | $2.88 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 70% | 58% |
| Years of growth | 25 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 4.4% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | -11% | -6% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $86.12 | $493.81 |
| Upside to fair value | -10% | +18% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $122.0B | $375.3B |
| P/E ratio | 23.4 | 26.9 |
Higher yield
MDT
3.02%
Safer dividend
MDT
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
UNH
+18% upside
MDT vs UNH — FAQ
Is MDT or UNH a better dividend stock?
On the data, UNH wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MDT offers the higher yield (3.02%), while MDT has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MDT or UNH?
MDT has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.02%, versus 2.22% for UNH.
Is MDT or UNH safer?
MDT has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MDT or UNH better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, UNH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 18% above its share price (undervalued). For MDT, its fair-value estimate is 10% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.