Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) vs UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)

JNJ leads on 10 of 14 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Johnson & Johnson and UnitedHealth Group Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — JNJ vs UNH

growth of $100 · last 30y
JNJ +885.6%UNH +6127.4%UNH compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $100200120062011201620212026$986$6,227
JNJ UNH

JNJ vs UNH: by the numbers

  • JNJ is the larger company ($579.83B vs $371.00B market cap).
  • JNJ trades at the lower earnings multiple (27.85 vs 30.85 P/E).
  • JNJ converts more revenue to profit (21.83% vs 2.68% net margin).
  • UNH grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.33% vs 2.99% CAGR).
  • JNJ pays the higher dividend yield (2.18% vs 2.16%).

Which is better, JNJ or UNH?

Metric tally: JNJ 10 · UNH 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueJNJ(lower P/E)
GrowthUNH(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityJNJ(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricJNJUNH
P/E ratio27.8530.85
Forward P/E18.8719.54
P/S ratio6.110.83
P/B ratio7.253.58
PEG ratio0.21
EV / EBITDA18.7118.34
FCF yield3.02%5.29%

Profitability

MetricJNJUNH
Gross margin69.12%18.80%
Operating margin26.87%4.19%
Net margin21.83%2.68%
ROE25.92%11.59%
ROIC13.71%8.23%

Dividends

MetricJNJUNH
Dividend yield2.18%2.16%
Payout ratio47.51%66.82%

Growth (annualized)

MetricJNJUNH
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.99%11.33%
EPS CAGR (5Y)11.51%-4.06%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-2.38%-3.16%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.93%2.28%

Frequently asked

Which is better, JNJ or UNH?
It depends on your goal. value: JNJ (lower P/E); growth: UNH (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: JNJ (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, JNJ leads 10 to 4.
Is JNJ or UNH cheaper?
On trailing earnings, JNJ is cheaper: JNJ trades at a 27.85 P/E and UNH at 30.85.
Which has grown faster, JNJ or UNH?
Over the past five years, UNH grew revenue faster — JNJ at a 2.99% CAGR versus UNH at 11.33%.
Does JNJ or UNH pay a bigger dividend?
JNJ yields 2.18% and UNH yields 2.16% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is JNJ or UNH more profitable?
JNJ runs the higher net margin — JNJ at 21.83% versus UNH at 2.68%.
Which has been the better investment, JNJ or UNH?
Over the past 10-year, UNH delivered the higher annualized total return — JNJ at 10.46% versus UNH at 13.20%. 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 June 13, 2026.