Seek Returns logo

ALHC vs. UNH: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison

Updated

Here’s a clear look at ALHC and UNH, comparing key factors like performance, valuation metrics, dividends, and financial strength. It’s built for investors or anyone curious to see how these two stocks match up.

Company Overview

UNH towers over ALHC with a market cap of 274.85 billion USD, roughly 90.62 times the 3.03 billion USD of its peer.

ALHC rides a wilder wave with a beta of 1.33, hinting at bigger swings than UNH’s steadier 0.57.

SymbolALHCUNH
Company NameAlignment Healthcare, Inc.UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
CountryUSUS
SectorHealthcareHealthcare
IndustryMedical - Healthcare PlansMedical - Healthcare Plans
CEOMr. John E. KaoMr. Stephen J. Hemsley
Price15.33 USD302.98 USD
Market Cap3.03 billion USD274.85 billion USD
Beta1.3270.571
ExchangeNASDAQNYSE
IPO DateMarch 26, 2021October 17, 1984
ADRNoNo

Performance Comparison

This chart compares the performance of ALHC and UNH over the past year by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each (starting one year ago).

Hover over the lines to see the investment’s value and total return (%) at specific dates.

Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.

Valuation Metrics Comparison

The section examines key financial ratios to assess the valuation of ALHC and UNH based on earnings, cash flow, sales, and book value. Pay attention to the following notable points where extreme values stand out.

  • ALHC has a negative P/E of -32.75, indicating it’s been unprofitable over the past year with no net earnings to support its stock price. On the other hand, UNH at 12.58 has maintained positive earnings, showing a healthier profit profile.
  • ALHC carries a negative Forward PEG of -1.11, hinting at analyst expectations of losses or shrinking earnings in the coming period—a potential warning for its future performance. On the flip side, UNH at 0.82 sidesteps this concern with a more favorable outlook.
SymbolALHCUNH
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (P/E, TTM)-32.7512.58
Forward PEG Ratio (TTM)-1.110.82
Price-to-Sales Ratio (P/S, TTM)1.010.67
Price-to-Book Ratio (P/B, TTM)27.452.93
Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (P/FCF, TTM)159.0011.05
EV-to-EBITDA (TTM)-64.4710.13
EV-to-Sales (TTM)0.860.80
EV-to-Free Cash Flow (TTM)136.0113.09

Dividend Comparison

ALHC pays no dividends, focusing all profits on growth, appealing to capital-gains investors. Meanwhile, UNH’s 2.77% yield rewards shareholders, showing financial confidence while supporting objectives—a contrast to ALHC’s growth-only approach.

SymbolALHCUNH
Dividend Yield (TTM)0.00%2.77%

Financial Strength Metrics Comparison

This section dives into the financial resilience of ALHC and UNH, spotlighting key metrics like liquidity, leverage, and debt coverage. Check out the standout observations below where notable differences or extremes pop up.

  • UNH’s current ratio of 0.85 dips below 1, leaving short-term liabilities larger than current assets—a scenario that could hinge on cash flow support. On the other hand, ALHC at 1.69 has enough assets to handle its obligations.
  • ALHC clocks in at -2.98 below 1.5, earnings just keeping ahead of interest—dicey if profits stumble. By contrast, UNH’s 16.30 sails through with plenty of cushion.
SymbolALHCUNH
Current Ratio (TTM)1.690.85
Quick Ratio (TTM)1.690.85
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (TTM)0.070.86
Debt-to-Assets Ratio (TTM)0.010.26
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)-2.9816.30