PFE vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 29, 2026, UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head metrics. PFE offers the higher yield at 5.77%, UNH 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: PFE vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 29, 2026, Pfizer Inc. (PFE) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.77%, versus 2.26% for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH).
- As of Oct 29, 2026, SmarterDividends grades PFE's dividend safety B (78/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 29, 2026, PFE has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, PFE pays out 226% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 58%.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, PFE's fair-value estimate is 35% 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, "PFE vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 29, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/pfe-vs-unh
| Metric | PFE | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 5.77% | 2.26% |
| Annual dividend | $1.72 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 226% | 58% |
| Years of growth | 16 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.6% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | -44% | -6% |
| Dividend safety score | 78 (B) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $19.01 | $493.81 |
| Upside to fair value | -35% | +21% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $167.9B | $365.4B |
| P/E ratio | 38.8 | 23.2 |
Higher yield
PFE
5.77%
Safer dividend
UNH
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
UNH
+21% upside
PFE vs UNH — FAQ
Is PFE or UNH a better dividend stock?
On the data, UNH wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 1). PFE offers the higher yield (5.77%), 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, PFE or UNH?
PFE has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.77%, versus 2.26% for UNH.
Is PFE or UNH safer?
UNH has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 78/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is PFE 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 PFE, its fair-value estimate is 35% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.