NVS vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 9, 2026, UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NVS offers the higher yield at 3.31%, UNH has the higher dividend-safety score, and UNH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 34% above its share price).
Key facts: NVS vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 9, 2026, Novartis AG (NVS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.31%, versus 2.50% for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH).
- As of Oct 9, 2026, SmarterDividends grades NVS's dividend safety C (60/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 9, 2026, NVS has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Oct 9, 2026, NVS pays out 72% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 58%.
- As of Oct 9, 2026, NVS's fair-value estimate is 21% above its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 34% above its share price, so UNH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "NVS vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 9, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/nvs-vs-unh
| Metric | NVS | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.31% | 2.50% |
| Annual dividend | $4.74 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 72% | 58% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.6% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 70% | -19% |
| Dividend safety score | 60 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $172.46 | $495.78 |
| Upside to fair value | +21% | +34% |
| Frequency | annual | quarterly |
| Market cap | $272.0B | $333.0B |
| P/E ratio | 21.6 | 23.9 |
Higher yield
NVS
3.31%
Safer dividend
UNH
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
UNH
+34% upside
NVS vs UNH — FAQ
Is NVS or UNH a better dividend stock?
On the data, UNH wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). NVS offers the higher yield (3.31%), 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, NVS or UNH?
NVS has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.31%, versus 2.50% for UNH.
Is NVS or UNH safer?
UNH has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 60/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is NVS or UNH better value right now?
As of Oct 9, 2026, UNH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 34% above its share price (undervalued). For NVS, its fair-value estimate is 21% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.