NRC vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NRC offers the higher yield at 3.18%, UNH has the higher dividend-safety score, and UNH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 23% above its share price).
Key facts: NRC vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, NRC Health (NRC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.18%, versus 2.31% for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades NRC's dividend safety D (45/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, NRC has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, NRC pays out 250% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 58%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, NRC's fair-value estimate is 50% below its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 23% above its share price, so UNH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "NRC vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/nrc-vs-unh
| Metric | NRC | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.18% | 2.31% |
| Annual dividend | $0.64 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 250% | 58% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -9.1% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | -50% | -10% |
| Dividend safety score | 45 (D) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $10.09 | $493.81 |
| Upside to fair value | -50% | +23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $446.1M | $360.3B |
| P/E ratio | 84.0 | 25.8 |
Higher yield
NRC
3.18%
Safer dividend
UNH
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
UNH
+23% upside
NRC vs UNH — FAQ
Is NRC or UNH a better dividend stock?
On the data, UNH wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). NRC offers the higher yield (3.18%), 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, NRC or UNH?
NRC has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.18%, versus 2.31% for UNH.
Is NRC or UNH safer?
UNH has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 45/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is NRC or UNH better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, UNH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 23% above its share price (undervalued). For NRC, its fair-value estimate is 50% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.