UNH vs ZBH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head metrics. UNH offers the higher yield at 2.35%, UNH 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: UNH vs ZBH
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 0.87% for Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (ZBH).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades UNH's dividend safety A (89/100) and ZBH's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, UNH has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years and ZBH for 0.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, UNH pays out 52% of its earnings as dividends and ZBH pays out 23%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, UNH's fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price and ZBH's fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price, so UNH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "UNH vs ZBH: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/unh-vs-zbh
| Metric | UNH | ZBH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.35% | 0.87% |
| Annual dividend | $9.28 | $0.96 |
| Payout ratio | 52% | 23% |
| Years of growth | 16 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 12.6% | 0.6% |
| 5-yr total return | -8% | -19% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $506.68 | $111.17 |
| Upside to fair value | +28% | +4% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $354.6B | $20.4B |
| P/E ratio | 22.6 | 27.0 |
Higher yield
UNH
2.35%
Safer dividend
UNH
Grade A
Faster growth
UNH
12.6%
Better value
UNH
+28% upside
UNH vs ZBH — FAQ
Is UNH or ZBH a better dividend stock?
On the data, UNH wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 1). UNH offers the higher yield (2.35%), 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, UNH or ZBH?
UNH has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.35%, versus 0.87% for ZBH.
Is UNH or ZBH safer?
UNH has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is UNH or ZBH 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 ZBH, its fair-value estimate is 4% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.