Thermo Fisher vs UnitedHealth (TMO vs UNH)

Thermo Fisher (TMO) vs UnitedHealth (UNH) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Thermo Fisher (TMO) and UnitedHealth (UNH) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are Thermo Fisher 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 Thermo Fisher or UnitedHealth.

Thermo Fisher vs UnitedHealth: the figures

Thermo Fisher and UnitedHealth figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Thermo Fisher or UnitedHealth figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Thermo Fisher and UnitedHealth

1. Valuation: Thermo Fisher trades at 37.2x its annual earnings and UnitedHealth at 23.4x; the market pays more for each dollar of Thermo Fisher profit, usually because it expects more growth.
2. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Thermo Fisher keeps 14.9 as net profit and UnitedHealth keeps 3.5.
3. Dividend: UnitedHealth yields 2.29% at today's price and Thermo Fisher yields 0.27%.

Thermo Fisher or UnitedHealth: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Thermo Fisher 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: UnitedHealth trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Thermo Fisher 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 Thermo Fisher and UnitedHealth make money

Thermo Fisher (TMO)

Thermo Fisher Scientific sells instruments, reagents and services to drugmakers, labs and hospitals. It reports Laboratory Products and Biopharma Services, the largest, including Fisher Scientific distribution, PPD clinical research and contract drug manufacturing; Life Science Solutions; Analytical Instruments; and Specialty Diagnostics. North America is its biggest market. Full Thermo Fisher 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: Thermo Fisher vs UnitedHealth

Is Thermo Fisher or UnitedHealth the better stock?

Choosing between Thermo Fisher and UnitedHealth depends on what you are looking for. Thermo Fisher is growing faster right now, and UnitedHealth trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Thermo Fisher or UnitedHealth: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Thermo Fisher or UnitedHealth?

As of November 4, 2026, UnitedHealth yields 2.29% and Thermo Fisher yields 0.27%. Also check how much of their profit Thermo Fisher and UnitedHealth pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Thermo Fisher or UnitedHealth?

On P/E, Thermo Fisher (37.2x) 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 Thermo Fisher and UnitedHealth?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Thermo Fisher 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 Thermo Fisher or UnitedHealth.

More comparisons with Thermo Fisher or UnitedHealth

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• Pfizer vs UnitedHealth
• HCA Healthcare vs UnitedHealth

More companies like Thermo Fisher and UnitedHealth: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about Thermo Fisher and UnitedHealth, not investment advice.