UnitedHealth vs. Johnson & Johnson: Which Stock Is the Better Buy After Q3 Earnings?

UnitedHealth and Johnson & Johnson both raised full-year guidance after Q3 earnings, but with contrasting performance. UnitedHealth beat expectations with 60% YoY EPS growth driven by improved medical cost management, while J&J saw earnings decline 7.5% YoY despite pharmaceutical growth offsetting weak MedTech performance. UnitedHealth is recommended as the better buy due to stronger earnings momentum, lower valuation (19X vs 23X forward earnings), and higher dividend yield (2.45% vs 2%).