CAH vs UNH
Cardinal Health, Inc. compared with UnitedHealth Group Incorporated on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
CAH
Cardinal Health, Inc.
TTM yield · Quarterly
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- UNH yields more today: 2.22% vs 0.83% (forward).
- UNH has grown its payout faster: 10.9%/yr vs 1.0%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- CAH has the longer streak of annual increases: 21 years vs 16.
- Over the last year CAH delivered the higher total return: +60.3% vs +23.7% (price change plus payouts).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | CAH | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $249.57 | $418.09 |
| TTM yield | 0.82% | 2.17% |
| Forward yield | 0.83% | 2.22% |
| Annual payout per share | $2.064 | $9.28 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Dec 31, 2026 (est.) | Dec 14, 2026 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 28% | 58% |
| 1-year payout growth | +1.0% | +5.1% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +1.0% | +10.9% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 21 years | 16 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 99/100 | 94/100 |
| 1-year total return | +60.3% | +23.7% |
| 1-year price return | +59.0% | +21.1% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 57.8B | 375.3B |
| Years paying | 39.8 | 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
| CAH | UNH | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 40.1 | 23.9 |
| Income per year | $83 | $222 |
| Income per month (avg) | $7 | $18 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAH Dec 31, 2026 | Jan 14, 2027 | $0.516 | Est. |
| CAH Apr 1, 2027 | Apr 15, 2027 | $0.516 | Est. |
| CAH Jul 1, 2027 | Jul 15, 2027 | $0.516 | 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
CAHUNH
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, CAH or UNH?
UNH currently has the higher trailing yield: CAH yields 0.82% and UNH yields 2.17%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do CAH and UNH pay?
CAH pays every quarter and UNH pays every quarter. CAH's next ex-date is Dec 31, 2026 and UNH's is Dec 14, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, CAH or UNH?
UNH has grown its payout faster: 10.9%/yr vs 1.0%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is CAH or UNH better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. CAH 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.