Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions

DHR vs UNH

Danaher Corporation versus UnitedHealth Group Incorporated — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.

UNH wins 3–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but DHR can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.

UNH wins this comparison 3–0 across 6 dimensions. UNH yields 2.24% — higher than DHR's 0.88% — and carries a 7.0/10 dividend safety score (Solid) vs 6.9/10 for DHR (Solid). UNH wins 3–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but DHR can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.

On yield alone, UNH generates 2.24% vs 0.88% — a 1.36% difference that translates to $1,360 more per year on a $100,000 investment.

Scorecard at a glance

Dimension	DHR	UNH	Winner
Yield	0.88%	2.24%	UNH wins
Dividend safety	6.9/10	7.0/10	Tie
Growth trend	+0.46% vs 5y	+0.59% vs 5y	Tie
Volatility (beta)	0.96	0.63	UNH wins
Scale	$130.1B	$376.3B	UNH wins
Tax efficiency	Qualified-eligible	Qualified-eligible	Tie
Overall	0 wins	3 wins	UNH wins

Dimension by dimension

UNH wins on yield (2.24% vs 0.88%)

On a $10,000 investment that's about $136 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.

UNH's higher yield (2.24%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus DHR's 0.88% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.

DHR: 0.88%UNH: 2.24%

Safety scores are too close to call (6.9/10 vs 7.0/10)

Both score within 0.3 points on our 0-10 dividend safety scale — comparable risk profiles on the signals we measure.

DHR: 6.9/10UNH: 7.0/10

Yield trends are similar

Both tickers' current yields sit close to their 5-year averages, suggesting comparable dividend-vs-price trajectories.

DHR: +0.46% vs 5yUNH: +0.59% vs 5y

UNH is less volatile (beta 0.63 vs 0.96)

Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.

DHR: 0.96UNH: 0.63

UNH is 2.9× larger by market cap

Larger companies tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.

DHR: $130.1BUNH: $376.3B

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.

DHR: Qualified-eligibleUNH: Qualified-eligible

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 for income, DHR or UNH?

UNH wins 3–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but DHR can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.

DHR vs UNH: which has a higher dividend yield?

DHR yields 0.88% and UNH yields 2.24%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $136 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.

Is DHR or UNH a safer dividend in 2026?

DHR scores 6.9/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. UNH scores 7.0/10 (Solid). UNH is the safer pick on our scoring model.

Which has better dividend growth, DHR or UNH?