UNH vs ZTS: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ZTS offers the higher yield at 2.38%, 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 ZTS
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, Zoetis Inc. (ZTS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.38%, versus 2.35% for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades UNH's dividend safety A (89/100) and ZTS's B (79/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, UNH has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years and ZTS for 12.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, UNH pays out 52% of its earnings as dividends and ZTS pays out 34%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, UNH's fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price and ZTS's fair-value estimate is 11% above its share price, so UNH looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "UNH vs ZTS: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/unh-vs-zts
| Metric | UNH | ZTS |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.35% | 2.38% |
| Annual dividend | $9.28 | $2.12 |
| Payout ratio | 52% | 34% |
| Years of growth | 16 yr | 12 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 12.6% | 20.1% |
| 5-yr total return | -8% | -64% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 79 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $506.68 | $91.31 |
| Upside to fair value | +28% | +11% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $354.6B | $33.9B |
| P/E ratio | 22.6 | 14.7 |
Higher yield
ZTS
2.38%
Safer dividend
UNH
Grade A
Faster growth
ZTS
20.1%
Better value
UNH
+28% upside
UNH vs ZTS — FAQ
Is UNH or ZTS a better dividend stock?
On the data, UNH wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ZTS offers the higher yield (2.38%), 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 ZTS?
ZTS has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.38%, versus 2.35% for UNH.
Is UNH or ZTS safer?
UNH has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 79/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is UNH or ZTS 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 ZTS, its fair-value estimate is 11% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.