NEW YORK - UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: NYSE:UNH) has announced that its board of directors has approved a cash dividend for the fourth quarter. Shareholders of UnitedHealth Group can expect to receive a dividend of $2.10 per share on December 17, 2024. This disbursement is scheduled for shareholders recorded by the close of business on December 9, 2024.
UnitedHealth Group is known for its operations in health care and well-being, aiming to enhance the health system's efficiency and support healthier living for individuals. The company operates through two main business platforms: Optum and UnitedHealthcare. Optum is focused on improving health care delivery through technology and data, providing support to individuals and health care providers. UnitedHealthcare offers a spectrum of health benefits, including affordable coverage and quality care, while also seeking to streamline the health care experience.
The declaration of the dividend is a routine part of UnitedHealth Group's financial practices, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to its shareholders. Dividends are a key aspect for investors as they represent a share of the profits distributed by the company.
Investors and shareholders of UnitedHealth Group can mark their calendars for the December 9 cutoff to be eligible for the forthcoming dividend payment. This announcement is based on a press release statement from UnitedHealth Group.
In other recent news, UnitedHealth Group has been in the spotlight due to a series of events. The company's third-quarter revenues reached $101 billion, marking a 9% increase, and over 2.4 million members were added to UnitedHealthcare. However, several financial firms, including TD Cowen, KeyBanc, and RBC Capital, adjusted their price targets for UnitedHealth following the announcement of these earnings results. TD Cowen lifted its price target from $601.00 to $609.00, expressing confidence in the healthcare giant's future financial trajectory. In contrast, KeyBanc reduced its price target from $675.00 to $650.00, citing higher medical costs and a 2025 earnings per share (EPS) outlook that fell short of expectations. RBC Capital also lowered its target to $595, projecting changes to future earnings.
In addition, UnitedHealth experienced the most significant data breach recorded in the United States, affecting the personal data of approximately 100 million individuals. The breach involved a hacking group known as ALPHV, also referred to as "BlackCat."
Lastly, analysts predict that the upcoming U.S. presidential election could have potential impacts on various sectors, including healthcare. Analysts expect UnitedHealth to benefit from potential tax cuts and deregulation if former President Donald Trump wins the election. These are the recent developments concerning UnitedHealth Group.
InvestingPro Insights
UnitedHealth Group's recent dividend announcement aligns with its strong track record of shareholder returns. According to InvestingPro data, the company has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and has maintained dividend payments for an impressive 32 consecutive years. This consistency underscores UnitedHealth's commitment to returning value to shareholders, as highlighted in the article.
The company's financial health appears robust, with a market capitalization of $521.83 billion and a revenue of $393.9 billion over the last twelve months as of Q3 2024. UnitedHealth's revenue growth of 9.42% during this period demonstrates its continued expansion in the healthcare sector.
InvestingPro Tips reveal that UnitedHealth is a prominent player in the Healthcare Providers & Services industry, which aligns with the article's description of its operations through Optum and UnitedHealthcare. The company's strong market position is further evidenced by its trading near its 52-week high, with a price at 93.16% of its 52-week peak.
For investors seeking more comprehensive insights, InvestingPro offers 13 additional tips for UnitedHealth Group, providing a deeper understanding of the company's financial position and market performance.
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