NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA)vs UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)

Quick verdict

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) and UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) appeal to different investors. On our six-factor framework, NVDA scores 3 and UNH scores 3. UNH looks cheaper on the multiples that matter, while NVDA grows faster and NVDA earns higher returns on capital. The two are evenly matched overall, so your priority — value, growth, income or safety — should decide it.

2-year relative performance

At-a-glance comparison

Business model and revenue mix

NVIDIA Corporation operates in Semiconductors (Technology), while UnitedHealth Group Incorporated sits in Medical - Healthcare Plans (Healthcare). The two operate in different sectors, so cyclicality and end-market exposure differ — factor that into any portfolio overlap. NVDA carries a beta of 2.21 versus 0.63 for UNH, meaning NVDA has historically been the more volatile of the two.

Valuation

On valuation, UNH is the cheaper stock. NVDA trades on a forward P/E of 10.38 and EV/EBITDA of 27.51, against 12.63 and 16.17 for UNH. Price-to-sales is 20.95 vs 0.83, and free-cash-flow yield is 4.3% vs 6.6%. A higher multiple is only justified if the company can sustain faster growth or wider margins, which is exactly what the next sections test.

Growth profile

NVDA is the faster grower. NVDA has compounded revenue at 65.5% over three years with EPS growth of 66.0%, while UNH has delivered 11.8% revenue and -15.4% EPS growth. Growth like this is the single biggest driver of long-term returns, but it also tends to come with a richer valuation, so it must be weighed against the multiples above.

Profitability and quality

On profitability and quality, NVDA is stronger. NVDA posts a 64.0% operating margin, 111.7% return on equity and 63.0% return on invested capital. UNH posts 4.8%, 14.4% and 6.8% respectively. Return on invested capital above roughly 15% is a hallmark of a durable competitive advantage, so this metric deserves particular attention.

Balance-sheet risk

NVDA has the safer balance sheet. NVDA carries net-debt/EBITDA of -0.17x with a current ratio of 3.44, versus -0.27x and 1.24 for UNH. Lower leverage gives a company more room to invest through a downturn and reduces the risk of dilution or distress.

Price performance and shareholder returns

Over the past year NVDA returned 75.1% against 65.2% for UNH; on a three-year annualised basis it is 3.0% vs 44.3%. NVDA yields 0.1% and UNH yields 2.2%. Past performance never guarantees future results, but the multi-year track record shows how the market has rewarded each business so far.

Which stock fits which investor

For value-oriented investors, UNH is the better fit on today's multiples. Growth investors will likely prefer NVDA, which is expanding faster. Income investors should lean toward UNH for its higher shareholder yield, while investors who prize quality-at-a-reasonable-price will favour NVDA for its superior returns on capital. This is a comparison of facts, not a recommendation — your time horizon, risk tolerance and existing holdings should drive the final decision.

• Value: UNH
• Growth: NVDA
• Income: UNH
• Quality: NVDA

Frequently asked questions

Is NVDA or UNH the better buy right now?

Neither is universally "better." NVDA scores 3 and UNH scores 3 on our six-factor framework. UNH is cheaper, NVDA grows faster, and NVDA is higher quality — so the right pick depends on your objective.

Which stock is cheaper, NVDA or UNH?

UNH is the cheaper stock across forward P/E (10.38 vs 12.63), EV/EBITDA (27.51 vs 16.17) and price-to-sales (20.95 vs 0.83).

Which has grown faster, NVDA or UNH?

NVDA has the stronger growth profile, with three-year revenue CAGR of 65.5% for NVDA versus 11.8% for UNH.

Which stock pays a bigger dividend?

NVDA yields 0.1% and UNH yields 2.2%, so UNH is the stronger income choice.

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