CVS Health offers a higher dividend yield compared to UnitedHealth Group, but UnitedHealth is the clear winner in terms of consistent dividend growth, having raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years while CVS has not increased its payout in over two years. For investors focused on steady dividend growth, UnitedHealth is the stronger choice, despite CVS's potential for greater total returns in the future.
For a dividend-focused investor, UnitedHealth Group stands out as a superior choice compared to CVS Health due to its consistent dividend growth over the past 16 years, with an average annual increase of 16.6%. While CVS Health offers a higher forward dividend yield, UnitedHealth's track record and potential for consistent growth make it a more reliable option for those prioritizing dividend growth in their portfolio.