HCA Healthcare vs UnitedHealth (HCA vs UNH)
HCA Healthcare (HCA) vs UnitedHealth (UNH) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
HCA Healthcare (HCA) and UnitedHealth (UNH) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are HCA Healthcare and UnitedHealth side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy HCA Healthcare or UnitedHealth.
HCA Healthcare vs UnitedHealth: the figures
| Figure | HCA Healthcare | UnitedHealth |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $510.70 (November 4, 2026) | $409.38 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $106.7 billion | $367.5 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 16.9x | 23.4x |
| Forward P/E | 16.3x | 17.6x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +3.6% | -0.4% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 8.6% | 3.5% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 3.3x | 1.6x |
| Dividend yield | 0.67% | 2.29% |
| Beta | 1.10 | 0.52 |
HCA Healthcare and UnitedHealth figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that HCA Healthcare or UnitedHealth figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between HCA Healthcare and UnitedHealth
- Valuation: UnitedHealth trades at 23.4x its annual earnings and HCA Healthcare at 16.9x; the market pays more for each dollar of UnitedHealth profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Dividend: UnitedHealth yields 2.29% at today's price and HCA Healthcare yields 0.67%.
- Volatility: HCA Healthcare stock moves more (beta 1.10) than UnitedHealth (beta 0.52); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
HCA Healthcare or UnitedHealth: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: HCA Healthcare is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): UnitedHealth pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: UnitedHealth has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: HCA Healthcare trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither HCA Healthcare nor UnitedHealth wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How HCA Healthcare and UnitedHealth make money
HCA Healthcare (HCA)
HCA Healthcare runs hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms and other care sites across the United States, plus a smaller presence in the United Kingdom. It earns revenue by billing private insurers, Medicare, Medicaid and patients for treatment, with inpatient hospital care forming the core of the business. Full HCA Healthcare analysis.
UnitedHealth (UNH)
UnitedHealth Group runs two platforms. UnitedHealthcare, its largest by revenue, provides health insurance for employers, individuals, Medicare and Medicaid enrollees in the U.S. Optum includes Optum Health for clinics and care delivery, Optum Insight for health data and software, and Optum Rx for pharmacy benefit management. Full UnitedHealth analysis.
Frequently asked questions: HCA Healthcare vs UnitedHealth
Is HCA Healthcare or UnitedHealth the better stock?
Choosing between HCA Healthcare and UnitedHealth depends on what you are looking for. HCA Healthcare is growing faster right now, and HCA Healthcare trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy HCA Healthcare or UnitedHealth: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, HCA Healthcare or UnitedHealth?
As of November 4, 2026, UnitedHealth yields 2.29% and HCA Healthcare yields 0.67%. Also check how much of their profit HCA Healthcare and UnitedHealth pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, HCA Healthcare or UnitedHealth?
On P/E, UnitedHealth (23.4x) is more expensive than HCA Healthcare (16.9x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both HCA Healthcare and UnitedHealth?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as HCA Healthcare and UnitedHealth, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying HCA Healthcare or UnitedHealth.
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More companies like HCA Healthcare and UnitedHealth: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about HCA Healthcare and UnitedHealth, not investment advice.