STE vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, STE and UNH are closely matched. UNH offers the higher yield at 2.35%, STE has the higher dividend-safety score, and UNH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price).
Key facts: STE vs UNH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.35%, versus 1.11% for STERIS plc (STE).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades STE's dividend safety A (94/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, STE has raised its dividend for 20 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, STE pays out 31% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 52%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, STE's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price and UNH's fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price, so UNH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "STE vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ste-vs-unh
| Metric | STE | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.11% | 2.35% |
| Annual dividend | $2.76 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 31% | 52% |
| Years of growth | 20 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.9% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 4% | -8% |
| Dividend safety score | 94 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $192.08 | $506.68 |
| Upside to fair value | -24% | +28% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $24.8B | $354.6B |
| P/E ratio | 30.1 | 22.6 |
Higher yield
UNH
2.35%
Safer dividend
STE
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
UNH
+28% upside
STE vs UNH — FAQ
Is STE or UNH a better dividend stock?
STE and UNH are closely matched. UNH has the higher yield; STE scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, STE or UNH?
UNH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.35%, versus 1.11% for STE.
Is STE or UNH safer?
STE has the higher dividend-safety score (94/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is STE or UNH better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, UNH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price (undervalued). For STE, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.