How has UNH's earnings trended over the past year?

UnitedHealth Group's earnings have demonstrated resilience and consistency over the past year, reflecting the company's strong financial performance and ability to generate consistent earnings growth despite facing headwinds in certain areas of its business. 1. **Earnings Performance**: UnitedHealth Group's net earnings for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2024 were reported, with the company affirming its earnings, adjusted earnings, and revenue outlook for the full-year 2025 in December 2024. For fiscal 2025, the company projected net earnings in the range of $28.15 to $28.65 per share and adjusted net earnings in the range of $29.50 to $30.00 per share. 2. **Analyst Expectations**: Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect the company to report earnings of $29.86 per share for the year, indicating a positive outlook on the company's earnings potential. The Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest analysts are expecting earnings of $29.63 per share for the full year, reflecting a positive sentiment towards the company's earnings prospects. 3. **Historical Performance**: UnitedHealth Group has a track record of generating consistent earnings growth, with analysts projecting earnings per share (EPS) of $27.52 for the first fiscal year and $29.80 for the second fiscal year. The company's ability to generate earnings growth despite headwinds in certain areas of its business is a testament to its strong financial performance and management's ability to navigate complex market conditions. 4. **Market Position and Outlook**: The company's strong market position, reflected in its GOOD financial health score of 2.91/5, provides a solid foundation for its earnings growth. Despite challenges in areas such as Medicare and Medicaid, as well as the impact of political and regulatory factors, the company's diversified healthcare and insurance operations provide a buffer against these headwinds, allowing it to maintain a stable earnings trend. In conclusion, UnitedHealth Group's earnings have exhibited a strong and consistent trend over the past year, with the company's financial performance reflecting its resilience in the face of market challenges. Analysts' expectations for continued earnings growth in the coming fiscal year underscore the company's ability to deliver stable and reliable returns to shareholders.