Elevance Health Inc. (ELV) vs UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)
A side-by-side comparison of Elevance Health Inc. 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.
ELV
Elevance Health Inc.
$418.72HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
$379.09HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — ELV vs UNH
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yELV +274.5% (+14.1%/yr)UNH +241.7% (+13.1%/yr)ELV compounded faster over this window
ELV UNH
ELV vs UNH: by the numbers
- •UNH is the larger company ($344.27B vs $90.81B market cap).
- •ELV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (18.61 vs 24.38 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •UNH converts more revenue to profit (3.14% vs 2.47% net margin).
- •UNH grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.59% vs 9.25% CAGR).
- •UNH pays the higher dividend yield (2.28% vs 1.65%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | ELV | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 18.61 | 24.38 |
| Forward P/E | 15.42 | 19.18 |
| P/S ratio | 0.45 | 0.76 |
| P/B ratio | 2.02 | 3.50 |
| EV / EBITDA | 13.82 | 14.98 |
| FCF yield | 6.93% | 6.86% |
Profitability
| Metric | ELV | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 25.56% | 22.49% |
| Operating margin | 3.51% | 4.82% |
| Net margin | 2.47% | 3.14% |
| ROE | 11.06% | 14.34% |
| ROIC | 6.34% | 9.19% |
Dividends
| Metric | ELV | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.65% | 2.28% |
| Payout ratio | 30.49% | 57.55% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ELV | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 9.25% | 10.59% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 6.67% | -4.06% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -19.97% | -4.39% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 4.62% | 0.70% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, ELV or UNH?
- ELV has the lower trailing P/E: ELV trades at 18.61 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, ELV or UNH?
- Over the past five years, UNH grew revenue faster — ELV at a 9.25% CAGR versus UNH at 10.59%.
- Does ELV or UNH pay a bigger dividend?
- ELV yields 1.65% and UNH yields 2.28% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is ELV or UNH more profitable?
- UNH runs the higher net margin — ELV at 2.47% versus UNH at 3.14%.
- How have ELV and UNH total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, ELV delivered 14.18% and UNH delivered 13.19% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Elevance Health P/E ratioUnitedHealth P/E ratioElevance Health dividend yieldUnitedHealth dividend yieldElevance Health ROEUnitedHealth ROEElevance Health operating marginUnitedHealth operating marginElevance Health revenue growthUnitedHealth revenue growthElevance Health free cash flowUnitedHealth free cash flow
Elevance Health & UnitedHealth appear in these rankings
Highest Dividend Yield StocksHighest FCF Yield StocksHighest 10-Year Total Return StocksLargest Companies by Market Cap
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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.