UnitedHealth Group is a dividend grower with an impressive earnings track record.UnitedHealth Group (UNH 1.42%) stock hasn't performed well this year so far, but there's a consolation prize for long-term investors. Every three months, UnitedHealth Group distributes a cash payout to anyone who's a shareholder of record on the ex-dividend date.That's great news for income-oriented investors, but it shouldn't be your sole focus. It's essential to conduct your due diligence on the company itself, especially sin ...

Core Viewpoint - A class action lawsuit has been filed against UnitedHealth Group Inc. for allegedly misleading investors regarding its business operations, particularly concerning anti-competitive behavior and data security practices [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit covers all purchasers of UnitedHealth securities from March 14, 2022, to February 27, 2024, with a deadline for potential lead plaintiffs to file motions by July 15, 2024 [1][3]. - Allegations include that UnitedHealth assured investors of robust measures to prevent anti-competitive behavior and protect customer sensitive information (CSI) after its merger with Change Healthcare [2][3]. - The company claimed to have invested significant resources into safeguarding CSI and maintaining strict firewalls between its UnitedHealthcare and Optum divisions [2]. Group 2: Impact on Investors - Due to the alleged misrepresentations, UnitedHealth's stock traded at artificially inflated prices during the class period, leading to investor damages when the true details became public [2]. - Shareholders can participate in the class action without needing to take any action to be eligible for recovery, as representation is on a contingency fee basis [3].

Core Viewpoint - Rosen Law Firm is reminding investors who purchased UnitedHealth Group Inc. common stock between March 14, 2022, and February 27, 2024, of the July 15, 2024, deadline to become a lead plaintiff in a class action lawsuit related to alleged misrepresentations by the company [1][2]. Group 1: Class Action Details - Investors who bought UnitedHealth common stock during the specified period may be entitled to compensation without any out-of-pocket fees through a contingency fee arrangement [1]. - A class action lawsuit has already been filed, and interested parties must move the Court by July 15, 2024, to serve as lead plaintiff, representing other class members [2]. Group 2: Rosen Law Firm's Credentials - Rosen Law Firm emphasizes the importance of selecting qualified legal counsel with a successful track record in securities class actions, highlighting its own achievements, including the largest securities class action settlement against a Chinese company [3]. - The firm has consistently ranked among the top firms for securities class action settlements, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for investors, including over $438 million in 2019 alone [3]. Group 3: Allegations Against UnitedHealth - The lawsuit claims that UnitedHealth misled investors by assuring them of robust measures to prevent anti-competitive behavior and protect customer sensitive information (CSI) following its acquisition of Change Healthcare [4]. - UnitedHealth allegedly stated that it invested significant resources to safeguard CSI and maintain strict firewalls between its subsidiaries, leading to artificially inflated stock prices during the class period [4].

Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth Group is expected to report strong second-quarter 2024 results, driven by growing premiums, commercial memberships, and the performance of its Optum business segment [1][5]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter earnings is $6.68 per share, reflecting an 8.8% increase from the previous year, although it has been revised down by two analysts by 2 cents from $6.70 [1][2]. - Revenue estimates for the second quarter are nearly $99 billion, indicating a 6.5% year-over-year growth [1]. Membership Trends - Total domestic commercial customers are projected to grow by 3% year-over-year, while Medicare Advantage members are expected to rise by 3.6% [6]. - However, Medicaid memberships are anticipated to decline by 8.8%, and international memberships are expected to drop nearly 60% year-over-year [6]. Optum Business Segment - The Optum segment is expected to show a 15.7% year-over-year increase in operating income, supported by growth in value-based care arrangements and technology-enabled offerings [7]. - Contributions from both Optum Health and health benefits divisions are anticipated to bolster premium growth [5]. Revenue Growth - Premium revenues are estimated to grow by 6.3% year-over-year, while service revenues are expected to increase by almost 7% [5]. - Product revenues are projected to see more than 8% growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate indicating over 9% [5]. Cost and Margin Pressures - Rising medical and operating costs are expected to elevate overall expenses, with total operating costs estimated to increase by nearly 7% from the prior year [8]. - The medical care ratio is projected at 84.22%, up from 83.20% in the previous year, indicating potential margin pressures [8]. Cyber-Attack Impact - A cyber-attack on Optum's Change Healthcare business is estimated to have a financial impact of around $1.6 billion, affecting profit growth in the second quarter [9]. Stock Performance and Valuation - UnitedHealth's stock has declined 4.2% year-to-date, underperforming the S&P 500, which has risen 18.8% [10]. - The company is trading at 17.22X forward 12-month earnings, above the industry average of 15.16X, indicating a somewhat stretched valuation [11]. Investment Outlook - The company has a promising long-term growth outlook with an estimated earnings growth rate of 12.3% over the next five years, compared to the industry average of 11.6% [12]. - Despite strong long-term prospects, short-term challenges such as the cyber-attack impact and rising medical costs may limit stock performance [12][13].

Core Viewpoint - The Gross Law Firm has issued a notice to shareholders of UnitedHealth Group Inc. regarding a class action lawsuit alleging that the company failed to establish proper firewalls between its businesses, Optum and UnitedHealthcare, leading to the sharing of sensitive customer information [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations and Class Action Details - The class period for the lawsuit is from March 14, 2022, to February 27, 2024 [1]. - The complaint alleges that UnitedHealth made false statements and concealed the lack of proper technological separation between Optum and UnitedHealthcare, contrary to its own policies and assurances given to the court and investors [1]. - Shareholders are encouraged to register for the class action by July 15, 2024, to potentially be appointed as lead plaintiffs [2]. Group 2: Next Steps for Shareholders - Registered shareholders will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to receive updates on the case [2]. - There is no cost or obligation for shareholders to participate in the class action [2]. Group 3: About the Gross Law Firm - The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm focused on protecting investors' rights against deceit and illegal business practices [3]. - The firm aims to ensure companies adhere to responsible business practices and seeks recovery for investors who suffered losses due to misleading statements [3].

Core Insights - UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $6.68 per share, an increase of 8.8% year-over-year, with revenues projected at $98.95 billion, reflecting a 6.5% increase compared to the same period last year [1] - There have been no revisions in the consensus EPS estimate over the last 30 days, indicating stability in analysts' forecasts [1] - Analysts' projections for key metrics provide valuable insights into the company's performance [2] Revenue Projections - 'Revenues- Products' are estimated to be $11.65 billion, representing a 9.3% increase from the prior-year quarter [2] - 'Revenues- Services' are forecasted to reach $9.25 billion, indicating a 6.8% year-over-year change [2] - 'Revenues- Investment and other income' is estimated at $1.04 billion, reflecting a decline of 6.6% year-over-year [2] Premiums and Customer Metrics - 'Revenues- Premiums' are projected to be $77.04 billion, showing a 6.3% increase from the year-ago quarter [3] - The 'Medical Care Ratio' is expected to be 84.2%, up from 83.2% in the same quarter last year [3] - Total commercial customers for UnitedHealthcare are estimated to reach 29,083.36 thousand, an increase from 27,175 thousand in the same quarter last year [3] - 'Commercial- Risk-based' customers are expected to be 8,482.20 thousand, up from 8,035 thousand year-over-year [3] - 'Commercial- Fee-based' customers are projected at 20,561.16 thousand, compared to 19,140 thousand in the previous year [3] Community and Senior Metrics - Total community and senior customers are estimated at 19,797.53 thousand, down from 20,275 thousand in the same quarter last year [4] - 'Community and Senior - Medicare Advantage' customers are projected to be 7,866.97 thousand, an increase from 7,590 thousand year-over-year [4] - 'Community and Senior - Medicare Supplement (Standardized)' customers are expected to reach 4,310.15 thousand, slightly down from 4,330 thousand in the previous year [4] - 'Medicare Part D stand-alone' customers are estimated at 3,106.38 thousand, compared to 3,355 thousand in the same quarter last year [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, UnitedHealth shares have returned +1.6%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has increased by +5.1% [6] - UnitedHealth currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting its performance may align with the overall market in the near future [6]

Company Overview - UnitedHealth Group (UNH) closed at $492.11, reflecting a +0.57% change from the previous trading day's close, outperforming the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.07% [1] - Over the past month, shares have depreciated by 1.14%, outperforming the Medical sector's loss of 1.99% but lagging behind the S&P 500's gain of 4.34% [1] Upcoming Earnings - The upcoming earnings report is scheduled for July 16, 2024, with projected earnings of $6.68 per share, indicating year-over-year growth of 8.79% [1] - Quarterly revenue is expected to be $98.95 billion, up 6.51% from the same period last year [1] Full Year Estimates - For the full year, earnings are projected at $27.55 per share and revenue at $398.24 billion, reflecting changes of +9.67% and +7.16% respectively from the previous year [2] Analyst Estimates and Stock Performance - Recent modifications to analyst estimates indicate a favorable outlook on the company's business health and profitability [2] - The Zacks Rank system currently rates UnitedHealth Group at 3 (Hold), with the consensus EPS estimate moving 0.09% lower over the last 30 days [3] Valuation Metrics - UnitedHealth Group has a Forward P/E ratio of 17.76, which is a premium compared to the industry's average Forward P/E of 17.13 [3] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.44, compared to the Medical - HMOs industry's average PEG ratio of 1.22 [3] Industry Context - The Medical - HMOs industry is ranked 204 in the Zacks Industry Rank, placing it in the bottom 20% of over 250 industries [4] - Research indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [4]

NEWTOWN, Pa., July 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a leading class action law firm, is investigating breach of fiduciary duty claims on behalf of shareholders of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE: UNH) between March 14, 2022, and February 27, 2024, inclusive (the "Relevant Period"). If you have substantial losses on your UNH investment or possess non-public information concerning breaches of fiduciary duties by company insiders, please contact Edelson Lechtzin LLP at 844-696-7492, by ...

NEW YORK, July 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE: UNH). Shareholders who purchased shares of UNH during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery. CONTACT US HERE: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/unitedhealth-group-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=89660&from=3 CLASS PERIOD: Mar ...

Core Viewpoint - Rosen Law Firm is reminding investors who purchased UnitedHealth Group Inc. common stock between March 14, 2022, and February 27, 2024, of the July 15, 2024, deadline to become a lead plaintiff in a class action lawsuit [1] Group 1: Class Action Details - Investors who bought UnitedHealth common stock during the specified period may be entitled to compensation without any out-of-pocket fees through a contingency fee arrangement [1] - A class action lawsuit has already been filed, and interested parties must move the Court by July 15, 2024, to serve as lead plaintiff [2] Group 2: Rosen Law Firm's Credentials - Rosen Law Firm emphasizes the importance of selecting qualified legal counsel with a successful track record in securities class actions [3] - The firm has achieved significant settlements, including the largest securities class action settlement against a Chinese company and has been ranked highly for its number of settlements since 2013 [3] Group 3: Case Background - The lawsuit alleges that UnitedHealth misled investors by claiming it had implemented measures to prevent anti-competitive behavior and protect customer sensitive information after its acquisition of Change Healthcare [4] - UnitedHealth's assurances included claims of investing substantial resources into safeguarding customer information, which led to artificially inflated stock prices during the class period [4]