Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
MDT vs UNH
Medtronic plc versus UnitedHealth Group Incorporated — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
UNH wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but MDT can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | MDT | UNH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 3.42% | 2.24% | MDT wins |
| Dividend safety | 6.8/10 | 7.0/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | +0.48% vs 5y | +0.61% vs 5y | Tie |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.76 | 0.65 | UNH wins |
| Scale | $106.5B | $357.7B | UNH wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 2 wins | UNH wins |
Dimension by dimension
MDT wins on yield (3.42% vs 2.24%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $118 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Safety scores are too close to call (6.8/10 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.
Yield trends are similar
Both tickers' current yields sit close to their 5-year averages, suggesting comparable dividend-vs-price trajectories.
UNH is less volatile (beta 0.65 vs 0.76)
Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.
UNH is 3.4× 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, MDT or UNH?
UNH wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but MDT can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Does MDT or UNH have a higher yield?
On a $10,000 investment that's about $118 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is MDT or UNH a safer dividend?
MDT scores 6.8/10 (Solid) 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 MDT 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 MDT 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 →