Pfizer vs UnitedHealth (PFE vs UNH)
Pfizer (PFE) vs UnitedHealth (UNH) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Pfizer (PFE) and UnitedHealth (UNH) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are Pfizer 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 Pfizer or UnitedHealth.
Pfizer vs UnitedHealth: the figures
| Figure | Pfizer | UnitedHealth |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $30.79 (November 4, 2026) | $409.38 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $175.5 billion | $367.5 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 44.0x | 23.4x |
| Forward P/E | 10.6x | 17.6x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | -0.4% | -0.4% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 6.3% | 3.5% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | N/A | 1.6x |
| Dividend yield | 5.73% | 2.29% |
| Beta | N/A | 0.52 |
Pfizer and UnitedHealth figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Pfizer or UnitedHealth figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Pfizer and UnitedHealth
- Valuation: Pfizer trades at 44.0x its annual earnings and UnitedHealth at 23.4x; the market pays more for each dollar of Pfizer profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Dividend: Pfizer yields 5.73% at today's price and UnitedHealth yields 2.29%.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Pfizer keeps 6.3 as net profit and UnitedHealth keeps 3.5.
Pfizer or UnitedHealth: which fits your profile
- If you want income (dividends): Pfizer pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If price is what matters most to you: UnitedHealth trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Pfizer 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 Pfizer and UnitedHealth make money
Pfizer (PFE)
Pfizer sells medicines and vaccines grouped into Primary Care, which includes the blood thinner Eliquis shared with Bristol Myers, Prevnar and Comirnaty vaccines and the antiviral Paxlovid; Specialty Care, led by Vyndaqel; and Oncology, with Ibrance, Xtandi and Seagen drugs like Padcev. The U.S. is its biggest market. Full Pfizer 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: Pfizer vs UnitedHealth
Is Pfizer or UnitedHealth the better stock?
Choosing between Pfizer and UnitedHealth depends on what you are looking for. Sales at both are falling right now, less so at Pfizer, and UnitedHealth trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Pfizer or UnitedHealth: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Pfizer or UnitedHealth?
As of November 4, 2026, Pfizer yields 5.73% and UnitedHealth yields 2.29%. Also check how much of their profit Pfizer and UnitedHealth pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Pfizer or UnitedHealth?
On P/E, Pfizer (44.0x) is more expensive than UnitedHealth (23.4x) 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 Pfizer and UnitedHealth?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Pfizer 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 Pfizer or UnitedHealth.
More comparisons with Pfizer or UnitedHealth
More companies like Pfizer and UnitedHealth: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about Pfizer and UnitedHealth, not investment advice.