AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) vs UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)

A side-by-side comparison of AstraZeneca PLC and UnitedHealth Group Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAZN vs UNH

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AZN +223.1% (+12.4%/yr)UNH +235.1% (+12.9%/yr)UNH compounded faster over this window
100200300400500Start $10020182020202220242026$323$335
AZN UNH

AZN vs UNH: by the numbers

  • UNH is the larger company ($344.27B vs $248.40B market cap).
  • AZN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (24.05 vs 24.38 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AZN converts more revenue to profit (17.02% vs 3.14% net margin).
  • AZN grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.76% vs 10.59% CAGR).
  • UNH pays the higher dividend yield (2.28% vs 2.02%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAZNUNH
P/E ratio24.0524.38
Forward P/E15.6419.18
P/S ratio4.050.76
P/B ratio4.943.50
EV / EBITDA13.5614.98
FCF yield3.52%6.86%

Profitability

MetricAZNUNH
Gross margin81.88%22.49%
Operating margin22.77%4.82%
Net margin17.02%3.14%
ROE20.79%14.34%
ROIC12.83%9.19%

Dividends

MetricAZNUNH
Dividend yield2.02%2.28%
Payout ratio48.50%57.55%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAZNUNH
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.76%10.59%
EPS CAGR (5Y)22.02%-4.06%
FCF CAGR (5Y)14.53%-4.39%
Total return CAGR (5Y)9.46%0.70%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AZN or UNH?
AZN has the lower trailing P/E: AZN trades at 24.05 and UNH at 24.38. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AZN or UNH?
Over the past five years, AZN grew revenue faster — AZN at a 15.76% CAGR versus UNH at 10.59%.
Does AZN or UNH pay a bigger dividend?
AZN yields 2.02% and UNH yields 2.28% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AZN or UNH more profitable?
AZN runs the higher net margin — AZN at 17.02% versus UNH at 3.14%.
How have AZN and UNH total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AZN delivered 12.85% and UNH delivered 13.19% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 10, 2026.