Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) vs UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)

NVO leads on 11 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Novo Nordisk A/S and UnitedHealth Group Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 17, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — NVO vs UNH

growth of $100 · last 30y
NVO +6188.8%UNH +6197.4%UNH compounded faster
05k10k15k20kStart $100200120062011201620212026$6,289$6,297
NVO UNH

NVO vs UNH: by the numbers

  • UNH is the larger company ($373.30B vs $193.53B market cap).
  • NVO trades at the lower earnings multiple (10.19 vs 31.04 P/E).
  • NVO converts more revenue to profit (37.14% vs 2.68% net margin).
  • NVO grew revenue faster over the past five years (20.73% vs 11.33% CAGR).
  • NVO pays the higher dividend yield (4.14% vs 2.18%).

Which is better, NVO or UNH?

Metric tally: NVO 11 · UNH 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueNVO(lower P/E)
GrowthNVO(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeNVO(higher dividend yield)
QualityNVO(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricNVOUNH
P/E ratio10.1931.04
Forward P/E19.66
P/S ratio3.780.83
P/B ratio6.193.60
PEG ratio8.17
EV / EBITDA7.3518.44
FCF yield2.50%5.26%

Profitability

MetricNVOUNH
Gross margin81.83%18.80%
Operating margin45.21%4.19%
Net margin37.14%2.68%
ROE60.74%11.59%
ROIC29.53%8.23%

Dividends

MetricNVOUNH
Dividend yield4.14%2.18%
Payout ratio49.80%67.65%

Growth (annualized)

MetricNVOUNH
Revenue CAGR (5Y)20.73%11.33%
EPS CAGR (5Y)19.59%-4.06%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-5.86%-3.16%
Total return CAGR (5Y)2.95%2.56%

Frequently asked

Which is better, NVO or UNH?
It depends on your goal. value: NVO (lower P/E); growth: NVO (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: NVO (higher dividend yield); quality: NVO (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, NVO leads 11 to 4.
Is NVO or UNH cheaper?
On trailing earnings, NVO is cheaper: NVO trades at a 10.19 P/E and UNH at 31.04.
Which has grown faster, NVO or UNH?
Over the past five years, NVO grew revenue faster — NVO at a 20.73% CAGR versus UNH at 11.33%.
Does NVO or UNH pay a bigger dividend?
NVO yields 4.14% and UNH yields 2.18% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is NVO or UNH more profitable?
NVO runs the higher net margin — NVO at 37.14% versus UNH at 2.68%.
Which has been the better investment, NVO or UNH?
Over the past 10-year, UNH delivered the higher annualized total return — NVO at 7.84% versus UNH at 13.34%. 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 17, 2026.