Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions

MDT vs UNH

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

MDT and UNH are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.

Neither MDT nor UNH wins outright — the two are nearly equivalent across all 6 dimensions, making the choice largely a matter of which account you hold them in and personal preference on yield vs stability. MDT and UNH are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.

On yield alone, MDT generates 3.51% vs 2.24% — a 1.27% difference that translates to $1,270 more per year on a $100,000 investment.

Scorecard at a glance

Dimension	MDT	UNH	Winner
Yield	3.51%	2.24%	MDT wins
Dividend safety	6.8/10	7.0/10	Tie
Growth trend	+0.48% vs 5y	+0.59% vs 5y	Tie
Volatility (beta)	0.58	0.63	Tie
Scale	$106.5B	$376.3B	UNH wins
Tax efficiency	Qualified-eligible	Qualified-eligible	Tie
Overall	1 wins	1 wins	Tie

Dimension by dimension

MDT wins on yield (3.51% vs 2.24%)

On a $10,000 investment that's about $127 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.

MDT's higher yield (3.51%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus UNH's 2.24% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.

MDT: 3.51%UNH: 2.24%

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.

MDT: 6.8/10UNH: 7.0/10

Yield trends are similar

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

MDT: +0.48% vs 5yUNH: +0.59% vs 5y

Volatility (beta) is similar

Both tickers move with comparable sensitivity to the broader market.

MDT: 0.58UNH: 0.63

UNH is 3.5× larger by market cap

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

MDT: $106.5BUNH: $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.

MDT: 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, MDT or UNH?

MDT and UNH are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.

MDT vs UNH: which has a higher dividend yield?

MDT yields 3.51% and UNH yields 2.24%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $127 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.

Is MDT or UNH a safer dividend in 2026?

MDT scores 6.8/10 (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, MDT or UNH?