Cigna Corporation (CI) vs UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)

A side-by-side comparison of Cigna Corporation and UnitedHealth Group Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCI vs UNH

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CI +140.4% (+9.2%/yr)UNH +235.1% (+12.9%/yr)UNH compounded faster over this window
100200300400500Start $10020182020202220242026$240$335
CI UNH

CI vs UNH: by the numbers

  • UNH is the larger company ($344.27B vs $74.19B market cap).
  • CI trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (11.62 vs 24.38 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • UNH converts more revenue to profit (3.14% vs 2.27% net margin).
  • CI grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.11% vs 10.59% CAGR).
  • UNH pays the higher dividend yield (2.28% vs 2.20%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCIUNH
P/E ratio11.6224.38
Forward P/E9.2019.18
P/S ratio0.260.76
P/B ratio1.743.50
EV / EBITDA8.0814.98
FCF yield12.28%6.86%

Profitability

MetricCIUNH
Gross margin11.66%22.49%
Operating margin3.46%4.82%
Net margin2.27%3.14%
ROE15.05%14.34%
ROIC7.69%9.19%

Dividends

MetricCIUNH
Dividend yield2.20%2.28%
Payout ratio25.62%57.55%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCIUNH
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.11%10.59%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-0.76%-4.06%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-1.95%-4.39%
Total return CAGR (5Y)8.53%0.70%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CI or UNH?
CI has the lower trailing P/E: CI trades at 11.62 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, CI or UNH?
Over the past five years, CI grew revenue faster — CI at a 11.11% CAGR versus UNH at 10.59%.
Does CI or UNH pay a bigger dividend?
CI yields 2.20% and UNH yields 2.28% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CI or UNH more profitable?
UNH runs the higher net margin — CI at 2.27% versus UNH at 3.14%.
How have CI and UNH total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CI delivered 9.30% 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 11, 2026.