NVO vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, NVO and UNH are closely matched. NVO offers the higher yield at 4.46%, UNH has the higher dividend-safety score, and NVO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 67% above its share price).
Key facts: NVO vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.46%, versus 2.35% for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades NVO's dividend safety B (71/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, NVO has raised its dividend for 7 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, NVO pays out 45% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 52%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, NVO's fair-value estimate is 67% above its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price, so NVO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "NVO vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/nvo-vs-unh
| Metric | NVO | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.46% | 2.35% |
| Annual dividend | $1.80 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 45% | 52% |
| Years of growth | 7 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 20.9% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | -25% | -8% |
| Dividend safety score | 71 (B) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $67.11 | $506.68 |
| Upside to fair value | +67% | +28% |
| Frequency | semiannual | quarterly |
| Market cap | $177.7B | $354.6B |
| P/E ratio | 10.2 | 22.6 |
Higher yield
NVO
4.46%
Safer dividend
UNH
Grade A
Faster growth
NVO
20.9%
Better value
NVO
+67% upside
NVO vs UNH — FAQ
Is NVO or UNH a better dividend stock?
NVO and UNH are closely matched. NVO has the higher yield; UNH scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, NVO or UNH?
NVO has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.46%, versus 2.35% for UNH.
Is NVO or UNH safer?
UNH has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 71/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is NVO or UNH better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, NVO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 67% above its share price (undervalued). For UNH, its fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.