UNH vs WST: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 30, 2026, UNH and WST are closely matched. UNH offers the higher yield at 2.28%, WST has the higher dividend-safety score, and UNH looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 20% above its share price).
Key facts: UNH vs WST
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 30, 2026, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.28%, versus 0.26% for West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (WST).
- As of Oct 30, 2026, SmarterDividends grades UNH's dividend safety A (89/100) and WST's A (99/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 30, 2026, UNH has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years and WST for 33.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, UNH pays out 58% of its earnings as dividends and WST pays out 11%.
- As of Oct 30, 2026, UNH's fair-value estimate is 20% above its share price and WST's fair-value estimate is 63% below its share price, so UNH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "UNH vs WST: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 30, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/unh-vs-wst
| Metric | UNH | WST |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.28% | 0.26% |
| Annual dividend | $9.28 | $1.04 |
| Payout ratio | 58% | 11% |
| Years of growth | 16 yr | 33 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 12.6% | 5.5% |
| 5-yr total return | -8% | -7% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 99 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $493.81 | $156.02 |
| Upside to fair value | +20% | -63% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $368.8B | $29.3B |
| P/E ratio | 23.5 | 53.4 |
Higher yield
UNH
2.28%
Safer dividend
WST
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
UNH
+20% upside
UNH vs WST — FAQ
Is UNH or WST a better dividend stock?
UNH and WST are closely matched. UNH has the higher yield; WST scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, UNH or WST?
UNH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.28%, versus 0.26% for WST.
Is UNH or WST safer?
WST has the higher dividend-safety score (99/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is UNH or WST better value right now?
As of Oct 30, 2026, UNH looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 20% above its share price (undervalued). For WST, its fair-value estimate is 63% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.