SYK vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. UNH offers the higher yield at 2.35%, SYK 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: SYK 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 1.05% for Stryker Corporation (SYK).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades SYK's dividend safety A (91/100) and UNH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, SYK has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years and UNH for 16.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SYK pays out 37% of its earnings as dividends and UNH pays out 52%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SYK's fair-value estimate is 35% 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, "SYK vs UNH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/syk-vs-unh
| Metric | SYK | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.05% | 2.35% |
| Annual dividend | $3.52 | $9.28 |
| Payout ratio | 37% | 52% |
| Years of growth | 16 yr | 16 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.6% | 12.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 23% | -8% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $218.56 | $506.68 |
| Upside to fair value | -35% | +28% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $127.6B | $354.6B |
| P/E ratio | 35.7 | 22.6 |
Higher yield
UNH
2.35%
Safer dividend
SYK
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
UNH
+28% upside
SYK vs UNH — FAQ
Is SYK or UNH a better dividend stock?
On the data, UNH wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). UNH offers the higher yield (2.35%), while SYK has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, SYK or UNH?
UNH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.35%, versus 1.05% for SYK.
Is SYK or UNH safer?
SYK has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is SYK 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 SYK, 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.