During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a high dividend payout.

Benzinga readers can review the latest analyst takes on their favorite stocks by visiting Analyst Stock Ratings page. Traders can sort through Benzinga's extensive database of analyst ratings, including by analyst accuracy.

Below are the ratings of the most accurate analysts for three high-yielding stocks in the health care sector.

Merck & Co Inc (NYSE:MRK)

  • Dividend Yield: 2.95%
  • Wells Fargo analyst Mohit Bansal maintained an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $135 to $150 on March 12, 2026. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 69%.
  • RBC Capital analyst Trung Huynh initiated coverage on the stock with an Outperform rating and a price target of $142 on Feb. 25, 2026. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 72%
  • Recent News: On March 16, Merck highlighted new data from cardio-pulmonary pipeline at ACC.26 showcasing commitment to advance innovative research.
  • Benzinga Pro’s real-time newsfeed alerted to latest MRK news.

Medtronic PLC (NYSE:MDT)

  • Dividend Yield: 3.22%
  • Needham analyst Mike Matson maintained a Buy rating and a price target of $120 on March 10, 2026. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 58%.
  • JP Morgan analyst Robbie Marcus maintained a Neutral rating and cut the price target from $105 to $100 on Feb. 18, 2026. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 65%
  • Recent News: On March 10, Medtronic announced plans to acquire Scientia Vascular, a move aimed at enhancing its neurovascular portfolio.
  • Benzinga Pro's real-time newsfeed alerted to latest MDT news

UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH)

  • Dividend Yield: 3.10%
  • Mizuho analyst Ann Hynes maintained an Outperform rating and cut the price target from $430 to $350 on Feb. 5, 2026. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 70%.
  • Truist Securities analyst David Macdonald maintained a Buy rating and slashed the price target from $410 to $370 on Feb. 2, 2026. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 67%.
  • Recent News: On March 2, UnitedHealth Group filed shelf prospectus for offering of securities.
  • Benzinga Pro’s real-time newsfeed alerted to latest UNH news

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