UnitedHealth Group is a top U.S. company in health insurance and healthcare services. It began in 1974 as CharterMed. The company rebranded to UnitedHealth in 1998. Headquarters are in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
UnitedHealth has two main divisions: UnitedHealthcare and Optum. UnitedHealthcare provides health insurance. Optum offers healthcare services. In 2023, UnitedHealth had about $371.6 billion in revenue. It is the largest healthcare company by revenue. Globally, it ranks ninth in revenue. UnitedHealth employs around 440,000 people. The company’s mission is to promote health, prevent gaps in care, and offer comprehensive solutions.
United Health Fiscal Q4 2024
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) shared its results for 2024. The company earned $400.3 billion in revenue, growing 8% from the previous year. Also, net earnings were $15.51 per share for the year and $5.98 per share for the fourth quarter.
However, Adjusted net earnings were $27.66 per share for the year and $6.81 per share for the fourth quarter.
In Q4 2024, UnitedHealth Group’s revenue was slightly below expectations at $100.8 billion, but they still managed to exceed their earnings per share forecast
Earning Highlight:
- Revenues of $400B, grew 8% Year-Over-Year
- Domestic Consumers Served by UnitedHealthcare grew 2.1 Million
- Value-based Care Patients served by Optum grew 600,000
- Cash Flows from Operations were $24.2B or 1.6x Net Income
- Full Year, Fourth Quarter Net Earnings were $15.51, $5.98 Per Share
- Full Year, Fourth Quarter Adjusted Net Earnings were $27.66, $6.81 Per Share
2025 Outlook
For 2025, UnitedHealth Group expects revenue to be between $450 billion and $455 billion, net earnings per share to be between $28.15 and $28.65, adjusted net earnings per share to be between $29.50 and $30.00, and cash flow from operations to be between $32 billion and $33 billion.
Board Statements
CEO Andrew Witty highlighted the company’s focus on providing high-quality, affordable healthcare and simplifying the health system.
The financial performance showed strong growth, with operational costs improving due to business portfolio refinement.
For 2025, they expect significant growth in revenue and earnings, with a strong focus on expanding their consumer base and improving operational efficiencies
Impact on the Market
UnitedHealth Group’s Q4 2024 earnings report had mixed effects on its stock price. While revenue grew by 8% to $400.3 billion and adjusted earnings per share were $6.81, total Q4 revenue of $100.8 billion was below expectations. This caused a 3% drop in UNH shares during premarket trading.
However, their strong 2025 forecast helped stabilize investor concerns. Overall, despite short-term issues, UnitedHealth Group’s long-term growth prospects remain positive.
