Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
ABT vs UNH
Abbott Laboratories versus UnitedHealth Group Incorporated — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
UNH wins 3–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but ABT can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | ABT | UNH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 2.91% | 2.24% | ABT wins |
| Dividend safety | 6.1/10 | 7.0/10 | UNH wins |
| Growth trend | +1.12% vs 5y | +0.61% vs 5y | UNH wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.65 | 0.65 | Tie |
| Scale | $151.0B | $357.7B | UNH wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 3 wins | UNH wins |
Dimension by dimension
ABT wins on yield (2.91% vs 2.24%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $67 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
UNH wins on safety (7.0/10 vs 6.1/10)
Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. UNH scores better on the weighted average of those factors.
UNH shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
UNH's yield is 0.61% above its 5y average, versus 1.12% for ABT. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
Volatility (beta) is similar
Both tickers move with comparable sensitivity to the broader market.
UNH is 2.4× larger by market cap
Larger companies tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.
Both pay qualified-dividend-eligible distributions
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
How we compare these
Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.
This is educational, not investment advice.Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.
Frequently asked
Which is better, ABT or UNH?
UNH wins 3–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but ABT can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Does ABT or UNH have a higher yield?
On a $10,000 investment that's about $67 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is ABT or UNH a safer dividend?
ABT scores 6.1/10 (Mixed) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. UNH scores 7.0/10 (Solid). See the safety dimension above for what drove each score.
Should I own both ABT and UNH?
It depends on overlap. Two ETFs in similar categories often hold many of the same companies — owning both can mean paying two expense ratios for similar exposure. Check the underlying holdings before stacking.
Already own ABT or UNH? See if the other adds anything.
Connect your brokerage and Infnits checks whether adding UNH to your existing portfolio actually diversifies — or just duplicates exposure (ETF look-through included).
Check overlap with my portfolio →