AZN vs UNH
AstraZeneca PLC compared with UnitedHealth Group Incorporated on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
TTM yield · Semi-annual
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- UNH yields more today: 2.22% vs 1.87% (forward).
- UNH has grown its payout faster: 10.9%/yr vs -5.1%/yr over the last 5 years.
- AZN pays twice a year; UNH pays every quarter.
- UNH has the longer streak of annual increases: 16 years vs 2.
- Over the last year UNH delivered the higher total return: +23.7% vs +13.2% (price change plus payouts).
- UNH raises fewer payout-risk flags on our heuristic (low vs low).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | AZN | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $171.49 | $418.09 |
| TTM yield | 1.26% | 2.17% |
| Forward yield | 1.87% | 2.22% |
| Annual payout per share | $3.20 | $9.28 |
| Payment frequency | Semi-annual | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Feb 5, 2027 (est.) | Dec 14, 2026 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 47% | 58% |
| 1-year payout growth | -31.2% | +5.1% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | -5.1% | +10.9% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 2 years | 16 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 64/100 | 94/100 |
| 1-year total return | +13.2% | +23.7% |
| 1-year price return | +11.8% | +21.1% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 266.0B | 375.3B |
| Years paying | 33.1 | 36.2 |
| Payout risk (heuristic) | Low | Low |
| Sector / category | Healthcare | Healthcare |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| AZN | UNH | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 58.3 | 23.9 |
| Income per year | $187 | $222 |
| Income per month (avg) | $16 | $18 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZN Feb 5, 2027 | Feb 19, 2027 | $2.153 | Est. |
| AZN Aug 6, 2027 | Aug 20, 2027 | $2.153 | Est. |
| UNH Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | $2.32 | Est. |
| UNH Mar 15, 2027 | Mar 29, 2027 | $2.32 | Est. |
| UNH Jun 14, 2027 | Jun 28, 2027 | $2.32 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
AZNUNH
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, AZN or UNH?
UNH currently has the higher trailing yield: AZN yields 1.26% and UNH yields 2.17%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do AZN and UNH pay?
AZN pays twice a year and UNH pays every quarter. AZN's next ex-date is Feb 5, 2027 and UNH's is Dec 14, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, AZN or UNH?
UNH has grown its payout faster: 10.9%/yr vs -5.1%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is AZN or UNH better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. AZN and UNH differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.