SmarterDividends

STE vs UNH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of September 2026, STE and UNH are closely matched. UNH offers the higher yield at 2.31%, STE has the higher dividend-safety score, and UNH trades at the larger discount to fair value (+51%).

MetricSTEUNH
Forward yield1.14%2.31%
Annual dividend$2.58$9.28
Payout ratio31%58%
Years of growth20 yr16 yr
5-yr dividend growth8.9%12.6%
5-yr total return10%2%
Dividend safety score93 (A)89 (A)
Fair value estimate$179.11$601.22
Upside to fair value-20%+51%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$21.9B$356.5B
P/E ratio27.725.8

Higher yield

UNH

2.31%

Safer dividend

STE

Grade A

Faster growth

UNH

12.6%

Better value

UNH

+51% upside

STE vs UNH — FAQ

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.